10 little habits to adopt now to get ahead of 95% of people

What if I told you, the secret to getting ahead isn’t doing more, but doing less?

That’s right!

It’s not about working longer or making big changes. It’s about the little things we do every day.

Believe it or not, skipping certain habits can push you ahead of 95% of people.

Intrigued?

This isn’t just an article. It’s your guide to jumping ahead with just a few small changes to your daily routine.

Let’s get to it!

1) Start your day early

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times – successful people wake up early. But there’s a reason this advice is so common: it works!

Waking up early gives you a head start on your day. It’s quiet time you can use to focus on your goals, plan your day, or even just enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee before the world wakes up.

Look, you’re not trying to become an overnight ‘early bird’. This isn’t about shocking your system. Instead, try setting your alarm just 15 minutes earlier each week. Before you know it, you’ll have carved out a whole extra hour in your morning.

And that extra hour? That’s what puts you ahead of 95% of people. It’s a small change, but over time, it can make a big difference. So set that alarm and embrace the quiet of the early morning. Your future self will thank you!

2) Practice gratitude

It may sound cliché, but starting your day with a sense of gratitude can dramatically improve your outlook on life.

Successful people understand the power of appreciation. They know that focusing on the positives, rather than dwelling on the negatives, can boost their mood, reduce stress, and improve their overall mental wellbeing.

How can you practice gratitude?

It’s simple! Start by jotting down three things you’re grateful for each morning. They don’t have to be big or profound; it could be as simple as being thankful for your morning coffee or the sun shining outside.

This small act of recognizing the good in your life helps to start your day on a positive note.

3) Plan your day

Every morning, one of the first things I do is plan my day. It might seem trivial, but trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Here’s how I do it: I grab my notepad and write down everything I need to get done. Then I prioritize these tasks based on their urgency and importance. This way, I know exactly what needs to be done and can structure my day accordingly.

The act of planning helps me stay focused and prevents me from feeling overwhelmed. It’s like having a roadmap for the day – I know where I’m going and how I’m going to get there.

This simple habit has dramatically increased my productivity and reduced my stress levels. And the best part? It only takes a few minutes each morning.

Start planning your day. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can achieve when you know exactly what you’re working towards.

4) Exercise regularly

You might be surprised to learn this, but regular exercise is a habit common among the most successful people. And we’re not talking about grueling, hours-long workouts. Even a quick 20-minute exercise routine in the morning can make a world of difference.

Here’s an interesting fact: According to the Harvard Medical School, regular exercise can improve your memory and cognitive function, boost your mood and creativity, and reduce stress and anxiety. That’s right, those morning jogs or yoga sessions are doing more than just keeping you fit!

So incorporate a bit of exercise into your daily routine. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a quick jog, or even a short yoga session, getting your blood flowing first thing in the morning can set you up for success for the rest of the day.

5) Connect with loved ones

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often forget to make time for the people who matter most – our loved ones. Taking a few moments each morning to connect with them can not only uplift your spirits but also help you maintain a balanced perspective on life.

It doesn’t have to be anything extensive. It could be sharing breakfast with your family, sending a thoughtful text to a friend, or even giving your pet some well-deserved attention.

These connections remind us of the love and support we have in our lives. They ground us and fill our day with positivity and warmth.

Take a few minutes each morning to connect with the people you love, even if it’s just a quick call or text. Success isn’t just about professional accomplishments; it’s also about leading a fulfilling, balanced life.

6) Avoid checking emails first thing

This might surprise you, but one of my key morning habits is not checking my emails. Yes, you read that right! I avoid diving into my inbox first thing in the morning.

Here’s why: The moment I open my email, I’m suddenly drawn into other people’s priorities, not my own. I could easily lose an hour or two responding to messages, leaving me feeling reactive instead of proactive about my day.

Instead, I dedicate my morning to my most important tasks – the things that will genuinely move me forward. Only after these tasks are done do I dive into my emails.

This simple habit has helped me stay focused and productive, and has made a world of difference in managing my time effectively.

7) Cut out the noise

Let’s be real for a minute. The world is noisy. Social media, news, endless notifications – they’re all fighting for our attention from the moment we wake up. And it’s exhausting.

We’re constantly bombarded with information that, more often than not, does nothing but stir up anxiety or waste our time. And it’s this noise that keeps us from focusing on what truly matters.

Make a conscious effort to cut out the noise each morning. Log out of social media, turn off the news, silence your notifications for an hour or two. You’d be surprised at how liberating it feels.

This quiet time allows you to focus on your goals and set your own agenda for the day, rather than being swept up in the latest drama or crisis.

So give it a try.

8) Stay hydrated

Drinking water may not seem like a habit that can put you ahead of 95% of people, but don’t underestimate its power.

Here’s an interesting fact: According to the University of Connecticut, even mild dehydration can affect your mood, energy levels, and ability to think clearly. In contrast, staying properly hydrated can boost your metabolism, improve skin complexion, and promote cardiovascular health.

Start your day with a glass of water. Not only does it help to kickstart your metabolism after a night’s sleep, but it also helps to flush out toxins from your body.

Make it a habit to drink water throughout the day. It’s a simple action that can greatly improve your overall health and wellness.

9) Learn something new

I’ve always believed in the power of constant learning. Every morning, I make it a point to learn something new. It could be reading an article about a topic I’m interested in, listening to a podcast episode, or even watching a quick educational video.

This habit of daily learning keeps my mind sharp and open to new ideas. It also helps me stay informed and knowledgeable about various topics, which comes in handy both in my personal and professional life.

The beauty of this habit is that it doesn’t require much time. Even 15 minutes of focused learning each day can add up significantly over time.

It’s a small commitment that can have a big impact on your personal growth and success.

10) Listen to your body

This one might seem a bit vague, but bear with me. It’s actually one of the most important habits you can develop.

We often push our bodies to their limits, ignoring signs of fatigue or discomfort, all in the name of productivity. We drink more coffee to stay alert, skip meals when we’re busy, and cut back on sleep to get more done.

The honest truth is : This isn’t sustainable. And it’s certainly not healthy.

Your body is not a machine. It needs rest, nourishment, and care. So start listening to it.

If you’re feeling tired, take a break. If you’re feeling hungry, eat something nutritious. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, give yourself permission to relax.

Listening to your body and attending to its needs is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. And trust me, it’ll make you more efficient and productive in the long run.

Last words

There you have it, ten little habits that can put you ahead of 95% of people. They may seem small and insignificant on their own, but together, they can make a big difference.

Remember, success is not about doing extraordinary things. It’s about doing ordinary things consistently and well. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as these habits transform your life!

Ethan Sterling

Ethan Sterling has a background in entrepreneurship, having started and managed several small businesses. His journey through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship provides him with practical insights into personal resilience, strategic thinking, and the value of persistence. Ethan’s articles offer real-world advice for those looking to grow personally and professionally.

If you want to be a genuinely authentic person, stop doing these 7 things

7 things women do in relationships when they feel like they don’t have a voice