Another feel-good, pseudo-psychological self-help article. But it does touch on an interesting phenomenon about reputation. This explains particularly well why

Another feel-good, pseudo-psychological self-help article. But it does touch on an interesting phenomenon about reputation. This explains particularly well why good students in high-school and college are more likely to continue to do well. High-achievers in general (once they achieve the status of a "high-achiever" in the eyes of their teachers) are more likely to be graded higher than others because of the assumption they will do well. (I haven't got a source, but I do remember reading about this a while ago). I think this does apply in the workplace as well. Once you have a reputation for being a hard-worker, knowledgable in a particular area, efficient with your time, etc. managers will be more lenient of you when you slip up, or assume you just need a breather if you leave early or take longer breaks for a little while. It definitely pays off to create a good first-impression of you and your work ethic from the very start.