Beginning your career is a tricky period in anyone’s life. You’re just starting to make enough money to live on your own, you have all these opportunities and responsibilities at the same time, you’re stressed out and there is this strange competition between just about everyone your age. Even your friends who aren’t working in the same field as you — they are competing with you for success.

Although unhealthy, most people can’t help but compare themselves to their peers. So if you see someone your age doing very well, you might not get jealous, but you might realize that maybe you should take the right steps to get to where they are.

Those steps aren’t always that difficult.

Usually just having a positive mindset about the whole situation will help. But there are a few other important factors of succeeding as a young professional.

Look the Part

Dressing like a professional obviously makes you look more like a professional. Doing this isn’t just to convince your friends that you’re an important member of society. You should be dressing like a professional to show your boss or prospective employers that you are responsible enough to handle any job. A nice suit, leather belts, a good watch and a big smile can go a long way.

Leather Briefcases

There are so many benefits of buying leather briefcases for men. You don’t just have to be a tax attorney to own a briefcase, despite the myths. No matter what field you’re in, owning leather briefcases can help you get more organized and better your chances at career enhancement. If you don’t think they will help you take a look at the interior of your vehicle. If it’s covered in papers and little gadgets all over the floor, you could probably use some fine leather goods to keep everything organized.

Be Productive

This one sounds like the most difficult and it can be for the first few days, but the benefits you should start to see will be worth it.

You might think that sleeping until noon on the weekend feels good but it really doesn’t. You will feel so much better if you get up early, actually do something productive and look professional doing it.