10 little things to start doing now to get ahead of everyone else in 5 years

It’s not the big leaps, but often the small steps that make a difference in life.

Hi there, I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a firm believer in the power of mindfulness and Buddhism to shape our lives.

I’ve come to realize that staying ahead isn’t about racing against others, but about bettering ourselves. And the best part? It’s the little things we do every day that can give us the edge.

So, let’s talk about those small yet powerful habits. In this piece, I’ll share 10 little things to start doing now to get ahead of everyone else in 5 years. These are simple actions you can incorporate into your daily routine and see significant changes over time.

Let’s get started. 

1) Begin with mindfulness

Mindfulness is something I preach time and time again, and for good reason.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we tend to overlook the small things. We’re so focused on the big picture that we forget to pay attention to the here and now.

But here’s a little secret: The future you’re striving for is shaped by the present moment.

Mindfulness isn’t just about meditation or yoga. It’s about being fully engaged with whatever you’re doing right now. It’s about being present in each moment, aware of your thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

By practicing mindfulness daily, you’re not just living life more fully, but you’re also training your brain to be more focused and less distracted. You’re improving your ability to handle stress and make thoughtful decisions.

And guess what? These are all skills that can give you a significant edge in life. So while others are busy chasing after the future, you’re already there, living it in the present.

2) Embrace the art of letting go

Letting go, it sounds simple, right? But, it’s one of the hardest things to do. I’ve been there, holding on to things that I should’ve let go a long time ago.

In the words of the great Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, “Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness.”

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting or giving up. It’s about acceptance and moving forward. It’s about releasing the stress and negativity that’s holding you back and making room for new opportunities and experiences.

Letting go is a key principle in Buddhism and Mindfulness. It teaches us to live in the present and to let go of our attachments to past regrets and future anxieties.

So how do you start letting go? It’s all about awareness. Recognize when a thought or a feeling is holding you back, acknowledge it, accept it, and then let it pass without judgment.

This might seem like a small thing, but trust me, it’s a powerful habit that can make a big difference in your life over the next five years. 

3) Cultivate gratitude

Gratitude is a game-changer. I’ve seen it in my own life and in the lives of countless others I’ve interacted with through Hack Spirit.

The act of expressing gratitude may seem like a small thing, but its impact can be significant. It has the power to shift your focus from what’s going wrong in your life to what’s going right.

This simple shift in perspective can lead to greater happiness, improved relationships, and even better physical health. It’s a powerful tool that can help you get ahead in life.

How do you cultivate a habit of gratitude? Start by acknowledging the good things in your life, no matter how small they may seem. A warm cup of coffee, a sunny day, a smile from a stranger – these are all things to be grateful for.

Consider keeping a gratitude journal where you write down three things you’re thankful for each day. It’s a small commitment that can lead to major improvements in your outlook on life.

4) Invest in lifelong learning

Albert Einstein once said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” This quote resonates with me deeply as I’ve always been an advocate for continuous learning.

In a rapidly evolving world, the ability to learn and adapt is more valuable than ever before. Knowledge isn’t just power – it’s progress, growth, and the key to staying relevant and ahead of the curve.

Start by dedicating a small amount of time each day to learning something new. It could be reading a book, taking an online course, or even listening to a podcast on your commute to work.

Don’t limit yourself to your field of work or study. Broaden your horizons. The more diverse your knowledge, the more connections you can make, and the more innovative you can be.

Every expert was once a beginner. So don’t be afraid to start from scratch in a new field. After all, learning is not a race, it’s a journey. And every step you take on this journey is a step towards getting ahead in life.

5) Foster positive relationships

Building a happier life isn’t just about personal growth and success, it’s also about the people we share our lives with. I’ve found that fostering positive relationships is one of the most rewarding aspects of life.

Relationships, be it with friends, family, or colleagues, play a crucial role in our happiness and overall well-being. They provide us with a sense of belonging and support, helping us navigate the ups and downs of life.

But like any worthwhile endeavour, building and maintaining positive relationships requires effort. It’s about communication, empathy, understanding, and most importantly, giving.

If you’re looking for guidance on how to cultivate healthier and happier relationships in your life, I highly recommend Jeanette Brown’s book A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World. It’s packed with practical tips and insights on how to build stronger connections and lead a happier life.

The quality of your relationships can influence the quality of your life. Invest time and energy into fostering positive relationships. It’s a small thing to start doing now that can make a big difference in your life in the next five years.

6) Practice self-care

Self-care is not selfish, it’s essential. In our busy lives, it’s easy to neglect our own well-being while taking care of others’ needs. But remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Self-care is about taking time to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. It’s about listening to your needs and taking steps to meet them. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be as simple as taking a walk in nature, reading a book, or simply taking a few moments to breathe and relax.

Incorporating self-care into your daily routine can improve your health, boost your mood, and increase your productivity. It’s a small investment that can have big returns in the long run.

After all, self-care is the first step towards self-love and self-growth. And these are essential for getting ahead in life.

7) Embrace imperfection

As a mindfulness practitioner, one thing I’ve learned is to embrace imperfection. We live in a world that often glorifies perfection, setting unrealistic standards that can lead to stress and dissatisfaction.

However, the truth is, perfection is an illusion. It’s not attainable and chasing it can leave us feeling perpetually inadequate.

Embracing imperfection, on the other hand, allows us to accept and appreciate ourselves as we are. It’s about acknowledging our flaws and weaknesses, and seeing them not as failures, but as opportunities for growth and learning.

Begin by letting go of self-judgment. Be kind to yourself when you make mistakes. Remember, mistakes are not failures, they’re lessons.

Adopting this mindset can alleviate stress and boost your self-esteem. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your mental well-being and overall life satisfaction in the long run.

8) Set meaningful goals

As the legendary American football coach Vince Lombardi once said, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.”

Setting meaningful goals gives us direction and purpose. It fuels our will to push forward, to grow, and to achieve.

But setting goals isn’t just about deciding what you want to achieve. It’s about understanding why you want to achieve it. When your goals align with your values and passions, they become more than just targets – they become motivations.

How do you set meaningful goals? Start by identifying what truly matters to you. What are your passions? What are your values? What kind of person do you want to be in five years?

Then, set goals that align with these answers. Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). And most importantly, be committed to these goals.

9) Learn to say ‘no’

This one might seem counterintuitive, but it’s something I’ve found incredibly valuable in my own journey: Learning to say ‘no’.

In our attempts to please others and avoid conflict, we often end up overcommitting ourselves. We say ‘yes’ to things that don’t align with our goals or values, draining our energy and time.

But here’s the thing: Every time you say ‘yes’ to something you don’t really want, you’re saying ‘no’ to something you do.

Learning to say ‘no’ is about setting boundaries. It’s about respecting your own time, energy, and needs. It’s about making conscious choices about where you invest your resources.

It may be challenging at first, especially if you’re used to always saying ‘yes’. But with practice, it becomes easier. And the rewards – in terms of time saved, energy preserved, and stress reduced – are well worth it.

10) Stay consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to achieving long-term success. It’s not about making huge leaps, but about taking small, consistent steps towards your goals.

The power of consistency lies in its ability to create powerful habits. When you do something consistently, it becomes a part of your routine. And once something becomes a habit, it requires less effort to maintain.

So how do you stay consistent? Start by setting realistic expectations. Don’t aim for perfection, aim for progress. Celebrate small victories and learn from setbacks.

And remember, consistency isn’t just about doing the same thing over and over again. It’s about staying committed to your goals and values, even when faced with challenges.

Conclusion

Getting ahead in life isn’t about grand gestures or overnight success. It’s about the small, consistent steps we take each day towards our goals. It’s about mindfulness, gratitude, learning, and most importantly, embracing our imperfections and staying true to ourselves.

The journey towards a better future starts with the actions we take today. So start incorporating these small habits into your daily routine. They may seem simple, but trust me, their impact can be profound.

For more guidance on building a happier life in a messy world, do check out Jeanette Brown’s insightful book A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World. It’s packed with practical tips and strategies that can help you navigate life transitions with grace and resilience.