The media, bookshelves, and podcasts are all flooded with names of people who have made it “big”- entrepreneurs, tech giants, inventors, and innovators.
We often gaze at their lofty titles and accomplishments and wonder how they have become so successful.
Turns out that many of the individuals capable of building empires from the ground up have similar habits they have adopted.
Kristin Meekhof, writing for Psychology Today, has had the privilege of meeting, and at times interviewing, authors, athletes, and gurus; such as Katie Couric, Amy Morin, and Dr. Deepak Chopra.
She has also noticed that successful people create the same healthy habits that add meaning and productivity to their day.
Trying to implement these habits into your own life may not make you an international name overnight, but it will certainly prepare your mind and body for setting up a more stable future.
1. Be consistent with your daily practices
Some people like to wake up and run to start their day, while others like to read a book or meditate.
Depending on your personality and life goals, each of these can set you up for increased attention and stamina for the day.
The trick is to be consistent with the practice you choose, creating a habit that brings out the best version of yourself!
2. Make concise goals for yourself
Vague aspirations like “I want to be better today” will rarely lift you to the next step in life.
You need clear, attainable goals for your day that can include either a feeling or an action, like “I’m going to walk one mile before 8am, and then write down all the ways that made me feel better.”
Follow this up with strategies on how the goal is going to be accomplished. If you want to feel loved that day, figure out healthy ways to make that happen- it can be self-love through eating healthy, or it can be from a spouse who you ask to give you some form of affection each time you meet.
3. Learn coping mechanisms
Parents often tell their children that life is filled with hardships, and that things don’t always turn out the way you want them to, but that you have to adapt to the situation and make the most of it.
The same is true for adults, but we often forget this. Being successful is not a glorious path the whole way, and you will face rejection, failure, and self-doubt along the way.
These negative feelings should not be the end of you, but a stepping stone to work on healthy coping mechanisms. The ability to overcome is a key attribute in many people who have climbed their way to success.
4. Allow yourself to evolve
Meekhof wrote, “The ultra-successful view change as an opportunity, not an interference.”
If you want to be a shoe designer, but the style of shoes you have been drawing haven’t been desired by the public or investors, change your drawings into something that is.
This doesn’t mean that you have to forgo your dreams, but be willing to accept change as a way to perfect yourself and your goals.
5. Know when things are not in your control
Sometimes you have to “roll with the punches” so to speak, not letting circumstances outside of your control impede your efforts.
Don’t waste valuable time trying to move the immovable. Things like weather, other people’s actions, and the past are out of your control, so don’t let it eat up your progress.
Successful people know that they have to readjust their game plan when things arise outside of their control, and you will be better for it if you can too.
6. Explore everything around you
Successful people look into how things operate before jumping into a field or industry.
When you explore the mechanisms of the people you will be associated with, the profession you wish to ace, and the market from which you will be operating out of, you are more likely to function within it optimally.
Let your curiosity run wild, and search into areas that others may have not even thought of yet.
7. Be happy in the skin you’re in
You may put yourself down for not being able to complete a marathon, but maybe you are the next designer of obstacle races that changes the lives of thousands.
Instead of focusing on all the things you can’t do, make it a habit to strive for things you can.
It’s not just about external confidence, but internal as well. Maintain a drive to find the work-ethic and passion to pursue your ideas.
These habits are not all easy, and some will take time to perfect, but they are possible for everyone.
The ultra-successful may seem like they effortlessly appease the masses, and gain national recognition, but their journey to achievement took effort and an incredible amount of perseverance.
You never know, your success could be waiting just around the corner if you are willing to adopt habits that transform you into what is needed to be on top.