Mia Zhang
We all aspire to success, but sometimes the path to achieving it can seem shrouded in mystery.
You might look at successful people and wonder how they manage to accomplish so much, or feel uncertain if what you’re doing on a daily basis aligns with the habits of those at the top.
How do you know if you’re truly on the path to success, or just going through the motions without any real progress?
After studying the daily routines of many successful individuals and incorporating some of their practices into my own life, I’ve compiled a list of 7 specific things these high-achievers do every single day.
If you’re eager to elevate your own success, it might be time to integrate some of these habits into your daily routine.
Let’s dive in!
1) Start the day with a morning routine
We all have 24 hours in a day, but how we choose to spend those first few waking hours can set the tone for the rest of our day.
You might wake up and immediately reach for your phone, scrolling through emails or social media, letting the world seep into your consciousness before you’ve even had a chance to clear your mind.
Or perhaps you hit snooze one too many times, leaving you to rush through your morning in a frenzy of hurried tasks.
But is this really how successful people start their day?
Successful people understand that these precious first hours are an opportunity to set themselves up for success. From meditating, exercising, journaling to simply being still and silent, these individuals choose activities that gear their minds and bodies towards productivity and positivity.
2) They prioritize their health
Success isn’t just about achievements and accolades, it’s a holistic concept which encompasses all aspects of our lives – including our health.
High-achievers understand that their physical and mental well-being is the foundation upon which they build their success. From eating nutritious meals, getting regular exercise, ensuring they get enough sleep to practicing mindfulness – these individuals make conscious efforts to maintain their health.
If you’re committed to achieving success, it’s crucial to prioritize your health. After all, your body and mind are your most important tools. Treat them with care and they’ll serve you well on your journey towards success.
3) They set clear goals
After diving into the world of numerous high-achievers, it’s clear that they set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals. They understand the power of clarity in propelling them towards their desired outcomes.
Here’s a personal example. I remember a time when I wanted to improve my public speaking skills. I didn’t just say “I want to get better at public speaking”.
Instead, I set a SMART goal: “I will practice public speaking for 30 minutes every day for the next 3 months. By the end of this period, I aim to comfortably deliver a 10-minute speech in front of my team without relying on notes.”
This specific and measurable goal not only provided me with a clear direction, but it also gave me a sense of motivation and purpose. Today, I’m a more confident speaker and I attribute this improvement largely to the power of setting clear goals.
If you’re striving for success, it’s important to set SMART goals. They provide you with a roadmap to follow, making your journey towards success more focused and effective.
4) They continuously learn and adapt
Stagnation is the enemy of success. You might be good at what you do, but if you’re not continuously learning and adapting, it’s easy to fall behind.
But do successful people ever stop learning?
The answer is a resounding no. High-achievers understand that their growth and development is an ongoing process. They embrace the fact that there’s always something new to learn, a different perspective to consider, or a fresh approach to try.
Did you know that Warren Buffet, one of the world’s most successful investors, spends 80% of his day reading? This thirst for knowledge and understanding isn’t unique to Buffet. Many successful individuals attribute their success to their continuous pursuit of learning.
5) They embrace failure
Contrary to what many might think, successful individuals see failure as an integral part of their journey. They understand that it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up.
Let me share a personal experience. When I first started my own business, I was full of enthusiasm and optimism. However, within the first year, I faced numerous obstacles and setbacks. At one point,
I even considered giving up. But then I remembered something I had read about Thomas Edison – he made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb.
When a reporter asked him how it felt to fail 1,000 times, Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”
Inspired by Edison’s perspective, I chose to view my own setbacks not as failures but as stepping stones on the path to success. Today, my business is thriving and I attribute much of this success to the lessons I learned from those early setbacks.
6) They maintain a positive mindset
The power of positivity can often be underestimated. You might find yourself succumbing to negativity when faced with challenges or setbacks.
But do successful people let negativity get the better of them?
The answer is no. High-achievers understand the power of a positive mindset. They see challenges as opportunities and setbacks as lessons, maintaining an optimistic outlook even in the face of adversity.
Consider the story of Walt Disney, who was fired from a newspaper for lacking imagination and having no original ideas. Despite this setback, Disney maintained a positive attitude, went on to create a cultural phenomenon and became a household name across the globe.
If you’re aiming for success, it’s important to cultivate a positive mindset. It can provide you with the motivation and resilience needed to overcome hurdles and keep moving forward on your path to success.
7) They make time for what matters
It might surprise you, but successful individuals understand the importance of balance. They make time for their loved ones, pursue hobbies, and ensure they have downtime to relax and recharge.
Take the example of Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group. Despite his busy schedule, he makes it a priority to spend quality time with his family and engage in activities he loves like kitesurfing.
If you’re working towards success, remember to make time for what matters most to you. Success isn’t just about achievements and accolades – it’s also about enjoying life’s simple pleasures and spending time with those you love.
