How I joined the top 1% of my company 💎

Joining the top 1% at any company often feels like an elusive goal, but it boils down to a few strategic habits I’ve cultivated over time. One of the biggest game changers for me was how I handled meetings. Declining those without a clear agenda not only saved me about 15 hours a week but also freed up mental energy to focus on high-impact tasks. This approach helped me shift from being overwhelmed to highly efficient. Another simple yet powerful adjustment was changing the way I communicate with my teammates. Instead of vague check-ins like “How’s everything going?” I started asking, “What’s slowing you down that I can remove?” This direct question made me significantly more useful to my team, as it encouraged honest feedback and allowed me to proactively solve blockers. I also learned that my brain is for generating ideas, not storing them. Using apps like Saner to offload all tasks, worries, and notes helped me stay organized effortlessly. The app surfaced the most important items without me having to constantly remind myself, which reduced stress and increased productivity. Finally, maintaining a habit of sending one relevant insight or article to my manager every week created a strong connection. This consistent value addition led to more visibility and new opportunities, like being invited to important meetings. In my experience, success isn't just about working harder—it's about working smarter. By optimizing meetings, enhancing communication, managing my cognitive load with helpful tools, and nurturing relationships with thoughtful gestures, anyone can climb to the top tiers in their organization. I encourage you to try these strategies and see how they transform your workday and career trajectory.