There is no accomplishment so easy to acquire as politeness, and none more profitable.

Manners require no talent, no money and no particular intelligence, which is why the return on them is so out of proportion. Remembering a name, answering promptly, thanking people who did not have to help: none of it is difficult, and together it determines how much of the world is willing to work with you. Much of what gets called luck in a career is the accumulated effect of being easy to deal with.

Choose one small courtesy and make it automatic this month. Reply within a day, or use people’s names, or thank someone specifically for something specific. Keep it up until it stops being a decision.