Most of us aspire to be in a better position than where we are right now. Taking that aspiration and channeling it into real, meaningful life change that turns into success—be it in career, wealth, or relationships—is another story entirely.
It's very easy for us to look at the successful people around us—our mentors, those we look up to in our field, or because of celebrity—and believe that they simply have some innate quality or cracked code that we're missing.
However, success often comes down to our habits and behaviors. It's not a secret that they have and we don't. They weren't born with an innate ability to succeed where we weren't.
It's more a matter of developing these same habits of success that have helped shape their journey.
So what do these habits look like?
7 Essential Habits of Successful People
Be physically disciplined.
What does physical fitness have to do with being successful in your career? At Memphis Invest, we're future-minded. Just like your investment portfolio, we have to pour in the time and energy now for long-term benefits. Hitting the gym as a disciplined habit pays off for your career and your prospects for long-term wealth.
How exactly? Think about how physical health and fitness impacts both your life daily and your future. Exercise helps us be more energetic, attentive, and overall engaged in our day-to-day lives. In the long-term, it prevents disease and bolsters the immune system. This can prevent deterioration over time, which not only means we can work as long as we want to, but we'll be less interrupted by illness and health issues.
On top of that, we'll be more equipped to enjoy our Golden Years with optimal health.
Truly unplug.
In our hyper-connected world, it can be challenging to truly disconnect. Not only do we feel a compulsive need to be perpetually available, but we always want to know what the other guy is doing, too. However, you'll find that successful people know how to unplug. They can step away from their emails, social media connections, news outlets, blog obligations, and breathe in the real world.
That's not just for vacation, either. We're talking about habits. It means making that regular time, whether it's your whole weekend or a few hours out of your night, where your mind can refresh: free of work and the distractions of technology. You'll find yourself more present, less frustrated, and more focused.
Make organization a daily task.
Organization can be daunting for some of us. For some, it's that once a year I-can't-see-the-floor-in-the-garage kind of activity. But successful people know that organization is a daily habit. List making and maintaining organizational systems are not just a part of being physically organized, they're part of being physically on-task.
People who have achieved the heights of career and wealth know that they need the ritual of organization to clear out both physical and mental clutter to remove stress and that which can inhibit focus. So next time you start your day, start with a list.
Positive vibes only.
While this phrase is admittedly juvenile, there's something to be said for being intentional in who and what you bring around you as a professional. As a matter of habit, many of us will default to negativity and complaining if we are not careful. However, we know that success is bolstered in an environment of positivity and encouragement.
Part of what we must do on our journey, then, is to be very intentional about the influences we surround ourselves with throughout the day. Internet comment sections? Not a great influence, generally. That one coworker who complains about everything? Probably not the best idea. To get ahead, it is critical to surround yourself with voices and opinions that will lift you up and influence your narrative positively.
This is not to say you will not be realistic or surround yourself with yesmen—only that you will be conscious of how others impact you. Negativity breeds negativity. Positivity does the same. So seek out positivity.
Knock out your biggest stressor first.
For many of us, procrastination can be the big time killer in our day. Breaking down why we procrastinate, it can often come down to a combination of fear and stress. There is something big or intimidating standing in our way. Whatever this task is, it seems immovable. Incompletable. We don't know where to start.
For many of us, these gargantuan tasks may be put off if they're able, but that pressure still hangs over us. So what do successful people make a habit of doing? They rip it off like a Band-aid, of course. Knock out the biggest stressor of your day first. This is how you energize yourself to tackle anything and everything else. You will feel accomplished and confident once you take out the biggest task in your day, every day.
Get regular sleep.
Like exercise, sleep seems like a rudimentary habit that isn't all that connected to one's financial or career success. However, we have to really recognize the importance of sleep. This is not only what keeps your biorhythms in check, but proper sleep balances just about every aspect of your health. It heals the heart, keeps mental health in check, manages mood, and impacts your long-term health and risk for disease. Getting enough sleep means focus, creativity, and a generally better disposition.
So if you wanted to pull an all-nighter to finish that big project, you might want to think twice.
Manage your internal dialog.
Do you speak to yourself with confidence? Successful people have mastered self-talk. While talking to yourself might sound off-putting, this is a great motivational exercise to center and organize your thoughts. When you practice regular positive self-talk, you will find your confidence growing to make tough calls and step into a bold decision-making role, take more initiative, and be generally more assertive.
Make a habit of talking to yourself in a positive way. Psyching yourself up isn't cheesy: it actually works.
While the habits of successful people are many, what we can truly take away from them is this: a life that is fulfilling and accomplished is one of focus and discipline. Your ambitions may be wildly different from theirs, but if you are intentional and diligent in the pursuit of your goals, developing healthy and holistic habits, success will follow.
Whether you look for success in relationships, career, or real estate investing, that much is true.
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