It’s no secret that some people just seem to excel at everything they do.
It’s almost as if they have a secret formula, a magical touch that turns everything they touch into gold.
Well, according to psychology, it’s not magic at all. It’s all about habits. Specifically, there are seven daily habits that people who excel at everything tend to follow.
So, what if we could decode these habits and incorporate them into our routines?
Could we then also excel in all we do?
In this article, I will break down these seven habits and explain how you can harness them to become your best self.
And no, you don’t need to be a genius. Just willing to make small changes and stay consistent.
Let’s dive in and explore the daily routines of those who always seem to be winning at life. It’s simpler than you think!
1) Embrace the power of early mornings
There’s something about the early morning hours that highly successful individuals can’t seem to resist.
Call it the quiet before the storm or the serenity of a new dawn; whatever it is, it works wonders for them.
Starting your day early gives you a sense of control over your time, which can significantly boost your productivity levels throughout the day.
It’s like getting a head start in a race, and we all know how beneficial that can be.
Consider some of the most successful people around us. They often swear by their morning routines, which typically involve waking up before the sun rises.
This gives them ample time to plan out their day, set their goals, exercise, or even indulge in a hobby – all before the world wakes up.
The key is not just about waking up early; it’s about using that time productively. So, if you’re not a morning person yet, it might be time to reconsider your sleep schedule.
Remember, small changes make big differences!
It’s not just about early mornings for the sake of it. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep too; after all, a well-rested mind is just as crucial for success.
2) They make a point of continuous learning
One habit I’ve noticed among people who excel in all they do is their thirst for knowledge.
They are the embodiment of the saying, “Learning never exhausts the mind.”
From my personal experience, I had a friend who was an excellent programmer.
He was always on top of his game, and his work was highly appreciated by everyone around him.
When I asked him about his secret, his answer was quite simple.
He said, “I dedicate at least one hour a day to learning something new. It could be a new programming language, a new technology trend, or even a completely different field. Knowledge is power, and I believe in empowering myself every day.”
Continuous learning is not about being a jack of all trades but about expanding one’s horizons and staying relevant in this ever-evolving world. It keeps your mind sharp and your skills updated.
Whether it’s picking up a book, listening to a podcast during your commute, or enrolling in online courses, find a way to learn something new every day.
3) They practice mindfulness
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget to live in the moment. But those who excel at everything they do have a secret weapon to combat this: mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment.
It involves acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts, and sensations without judgement.
What you may not know is that studies have shown mindfulness can actually change the structure of your brain.
Regular practice has been linked to increased grey matter in the hippocampus, an area important for learning and memory.
It can also decrease grey matter in the amygdala, a region connected to stress and anxiety.
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated.
It could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, paying close attention to the sensations of cooking dinner, or truly listening when someone is speaking to you.
By practicing mindfulness, you’re not just staying grounded in the present moment but also actively rewiring your brain for better mental health and performance.
4) They set clear and achievable goals
People who excel at everything they do have a habit of setting clear and achievable goals. They don’t just dream big, they plan big.
Having a clear vision of what they want to achieve gives them a roadmap to follow. It makes the journey less overwhelming and the destination more attainable.
They break down their big goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
This way, every step they take is a step closer to their ultimate goal. And with each small victory, their motivation and confidence get a boost, propelling them further towards success.
But it’s not just about setting goals. It’s about setting the right kind of goals – S.M.A.R.T goals.
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These give you a clear path and timeline for your ambitions.
Start by setting a clear goal for yourself.
Know what you want, why you want it, and how you plan on getting there. And remember to celebrate your progress along the way!
5) They embrace failure as part of the journey
Here’s something that might surprise you – people who excel at everything they do fail. A lot. But the difference lies in how they perceive and handle failure.
I remember when I first started learning to play the guitar. I was terrible.
My fingers hurt, and the sounds I produced were more akin to a dying cat than beautiful music. I was frustrated and ready to quit.
But instead of giving up, I decided to change my perspective.
I started seeing each failed attempt not as a setback, but as a stepping stone towards my goal. Each mistake was a lesson learned, a chance for me to improve.
And it worked. Today, I can confidently strum my guitar and create melodies that are pleasing to the ear.
Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of the success story. When you stumble on your journey, remember it’s an opportunity for growth.
Embrace it, learn from it, and keep moving forward.
6) They prioritize their health
In the race to success, it’s easy to lose sight of the most critical asset we have – our health.
But those who excel at everything they do understand the importance of maintaining good health.
Physical fitness goes hand in hand with mental sharpness.
Regular exercise not only boosts your energy levels and improves your mood but also enhances your cognitive abilities.
It’s like fuel for your brain that keeps it running at optimum capacity.
Similarly, a balanced diet provides the essential nutrients your body and brain need to function effectively. And let’s not forget the importance of adequate sleep.
It’s during sleep that our body repairs itself and our brain consolidates memories and information.
Take care of your health. Make time for regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and ensure you get enough sleep. After all, a healthy body hosts a healthy mind!
7) They cultivate a positive mindset
At the core of every successful individual who excels in all they do, is a positive mindset.
It’s like a secret weapon that fuels their journey towards success.
A positive mindset is not about blind optimism or ignoring life’s challenges.
It’s about embracing the ups and downs of life with a belief that you have the power to overcome obstacles and shape your own destiny.
This way of thinking fuels resilience, motivation, and persistence – qualities essential for achieving success.
It helps them see opportunities where others see obstacles and gives them the drive to pursue their goals relentlessly.
Your mindset is the lens through which you view your world.
Cultivate a positive one, and watch as it transforms not just your outlook, but your outcomes as well.
The core: It’s all about consistency
As we delve into the world of psychology and human behavior, one crucial factor emerges as the foundation for success – consistency.
The seven habits we’ve explored here are not one-time actions.
They are daily practices, ingrained into the lives of those who excel at everything they do. It’s about showing up, day after day, and putting in the effort, no matter how small.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is success. It’s the result of small, consistent actions over time.
As Will Durant once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Whether it’s waking up early, continuous learning, practicing mindfulness, setting clear goals, embracing failure, prioritizing health, or cultivating a positive mindset – consistency is key.
Adopt these habits. Nurture them daily. And watch as they transform your life and propel you towards excellence.
The journey to success isn’t about massive leaps but consistent steps.
