Looking to become a highly successful person? Unfortunately, as we all know, it doesn’t usually happen overnight. Becoming a high-achieving individual takes a lot of hard work, effort, and grit, but it’s certainly not impossible. Many established leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives credit basic lifestyle choices to helping them get to where they are today. We’ve rounded up a list of simple stepping stones that anyone can take to help give you a proven edge in business and in life. Ready to make your way up the corporate ladder? Let’s get started!

Wake Up Early

First things first, become a member of the early risers club. You might have heard about this one before, but it’s on this list for a reason. Waking up early allows you to get a head start on your day, giving you time to work on personal projects, get some exercise, and plan the day ahead. The sense of accomplishment you will gain from early morning productivity will give you the confidence and positive outlook you need to tackle your upcoming day.
The more time you can devote to your dreams and ambitions, the more likely it is that success will follow. If you want to take it one step further, try rising early without setting an alarm. This may sound strange, but many lucrative leaders swear by this technique. Waking up without an alarm allows you to ease into the day without a stressful start. The startling sound of your alarm going off causes a rush of stress hormones that prepare your body for danger. Probably not the best way to start your day off on the right foot. By gaining control over your body clock, sleeping for 8 hours every night, and nailing those early morning starts, you’ll be ready to crush the day.

Stay Organized

When it feels like there is an overwhelming amount of work to get done, it can be hard to stay focused and on task. Planning, creating to-do lists, and setting priorities and goals are key steps to remaining productive during the day. When writing out your to-do list, give yourself three priorities that you want to accomplish that day. Writing down your top three things to do allows you to focus, limit distractions, and maintain realistic goals. Another useful productivity strategy is time-blocking. Write down everything you have to do that day, and how long it should take. If a task should only take one hour, only give yourself one hour to complete it in your schedule. This will limit pointless phone breaks and social media scrolling that eats up precious time in your day.
If you want to do even better than that, tackle your most difficult task of the day before you do anything else. It’s easy to procrastinate on our most challenging projects, but by getting that dreaded task out of the way first thing in the morning, you will carry that passion and momentum with you for the rest of the day.

Take Advantage of Resources

While your road to success may feel like a solo journey, you definitely don’t need to get there on your own. There are so many resources out there for you to take advantage of, some of which are even free. If you are struggling with a problem and looking for a solution, do some research to see what resources are available to suit your needs. If you are a student looking to boost your grades, considering opting for one of many online tutoring resources available. There are numerous benefits to online tutoring, especially for trickier subjects like math. With online learning on the rise, many people are utilizing resources such as essay writing apps and free math websites to help them get ahead.
On the other hand, if you are a student struggling with finances, there are also resources perfectly geared towards you. Online shopping extensions are an easy and free way to get discounts and deals on school supplies. If you are a high school senior looking to apply for colleges, consider applying to easy scholarships that require no essays and stress-free application processes.

Prioritize Mental Health

Finding ways to take care of your mental health is crucial to becoming a high-achiever. Practicing self-care and mindfulness allows you to relieve stress, stay focused, and be aligned with your goals and objectives. Everyone has different ways of relaxing and unwinding, whether it’s journaling, meditation, long walks, or connecting with friends. Carving out regular time to exercise is also a proven habit of highly successful people, as it helps clear your head and stay motivated.
If you are struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, Emotional Support Animals (ESA) can be extremely helpful resources for support and companionship. ESAs are known to counteract many of the symptoms that result from mental disabilities, leading to greater feelings of calm and happiness.

Become a Lifelong Reader

Dedicating time each day to education and self-improvement is key to becoming a highly successful individual. When it comes to reading, put down your favorite romance or thriller, and start exploring biographies, history books, and self-improvement books. It can be especially helpful to hone in on books or articles related to the industry that you are in. After all, knowledge is power, and you never know how a seemingly unrelated trend or fact could lead to an incredible idea down the line.
While it may be hard to find time in your day to curl up on the couch with a book, try and find time at either the beginning or end of your day when your brain isn’t ready for more intense tasks.

Sharing

Whether you are donating to charities or volunteering at the local soup kitchen, successful people have a proven habit of sharing their good fortune. Even if you lack the funds to donate money to people in need, you can use your free time to help out at your local elementary school or community center. Volunteering is also a great way to foster a community and meet interesting new people.
One of the most rewarding and exciting ways to give back to a community is by starting a scholarship fund. You can pick a cause close to your heart and help a student turn a seemingly impossible dream into a life-changing reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the six habits of highly successful people?

The six habits of highly successful people encompass various aspects of personal and professional development. These habits include setting clear goals, practicing discipline and consistency, prioritizing self-care and well-being, seeking continuous learning and growth, fostering positive relationships and networks, and maintaining resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges.

2. How can I incorporate these habits into my daily routine?

Incorporating these habits into your daily routine requires conscious effort and commitment. Start by identifying specific actions or behaviors related to each habit that you can integrate into your daily life. For example, you can set goals and create a plan to achieve them, establish a consistent schedule for tasks and activities, prioritize self-care activities such as exercise and mindfulness, dedicate time for learning and personal development, cultivate meaningful connections with others, and develop resilience by reframing challenges as opportunities for growth.

3. Do these habits vary depending on the industry or field of work?

While the core habits of highly successful people remain relevant across industries and fields of work, the specific practices and approaches may vary. Individuals may need to tailor these habits to their specific circumstances and objectives. For example, goal-setting methods and networking strategies may differ based on the nature of the industry or profession. It's important to adapt these habits to align with your unique goals, values, and career path.

4. Can anyone become a highly successful person by following these habits, or is it based on innate abilities or characteristics?

The habits of highly successful people can be learned and developed by anyone, regardless of innate abilities or characteristics. While certain traits or circumstances may offer advantages, the foundation of success lies in adopting and consistently practicing these habits. Cultivating discipline, resilience, and other essential qualities can be nurtured over time through intentional effort, mindset shifts, and learning from setbacks and failures.

5. Are there any common obstacles or challenges that people face when trying to adopt these habits? If so, how can they overcome them?

Adopting these habits may come with challenges such as maintaining consistency, overcoming self-doubt, managing time effectively, and staying motivated. To overcome these obstacles, it can be helpful to create a supportive environment, establish accountability systems, break larger goals into smaller actionable steps, celebrate progress along the way, seek inspiration from mentors or role models, and practice self-reflection and self-compassion to navigate setbacks and setbacks and stay committed to personal growth.