What does it take to achieve exceptional success in life?
I’ve often asked myself this question and over the years, I’ve delved into books, interviews, and research studies, hoping to uncover what sets truly successful people apart.
What I’ve discovered is that success rarely happens by accident— certain daily habits seem to be universal among high achievers. These aren’t quick hacks or temporary fixes; they’re long-term practices that build momentum and yield powerful results over time.
Today, we’ll explore seven of these habits.
Let’s dive in.
1. Consistent learning
If there’s one habit that stands out among successful people, it’s their relentless commitment to learning. They view education as a lifelong journey, not something that ends with a diploma.
Take Bill Gates, for example. He reads around 50 books every year!
And he’s not alone. Randall Bell, a socioeconomist, found that “Those who read seven or more books per year are more than 122 percent more likely to be millionaires as opposed to those who never read or only read one to three [books].”
This isn’t just about reading books, though. High achievers are constantly seeking knowledge in various forms—whether it’s through podcasts, online courses, or learning directly from mentors and peers.
The takeaway? If you want to grow, you need to keep learning. Success doesn’t come to those who stay stagnant—it comes to those who actively expand their knowledge and skills.
2. Morning rituals
Exceptionally successful people understand the power of starting their day intentionally, setting the tone for the rest of their waking hours.
It’s not about being an early bird or a night owl. It’s about how you utilize those precious first hours of your day.
Some meditate, some exercise, and some read, but they all have a routine that they follow almost religiously. Whether it’s brewing a cup of coffee and journaling for 10 minutes or an hour-long workout, these successful people start their day with intentionality and purpose.
Why? Because it sets them up for success, both mentally and physically. Morning rituals allow these individuals to take control of their day before it begins, ensuring they are in the right mindset to tackle whatever comes their way.
3. Regular self-reflection
Self-reflection is a powerful tool that successful individuals use regularly. It helps them understand themselves better, learn from their experiences, and continually grow and improve.
This is not just about reflecting on the successes, but also the failures and setbacks. It’s about taking a step back, looking at the bigger picture, and understanding what went right and what went wrong.
It’s a habit that allows these folks to continuously learn and adapt to the ever-changing world around them.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into how mindfulness and self-reflection can transform your life, just like it has transformed the lives of many successful individuals.
But for now, just know that self-reflection doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. It can be as simple as taking a few moments each day to ponder upon your actions, decisions, and their outcomes.
4. Embracing discomfort
You might not want to hear this but the road to success is often paved with discomfort. Those who achieve enviable success understand this reality and instead of running from it, they embrace it.
The premise is simple: growth happens when we step outside our comfort zone.
Whether it’s taking on a challenging project at work, learning a new skill, or facing a fear, successful people consistently push their limits. They don’t just wait for opportunities for growth to come their way; they actively seek them out.
5. Savoring downtime
This might seem counterintuitive, but hear me out.
While it’s easy to think that working 24/7 is the key to success, it’s actually quite the opposite. Overworking can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and can harm your physical and mental health.
These individuals make it a habit to take breaks, to disconnect from work, and to engage in activities they enjoy. This could be reading a book, spending time with loved ones, going for a walk, or simply doing nothing at all.
This habit is backed by science, too. Research has shown that taking regular breaks can boost performance. They give your brain time to rest and recharge, allowing you to come back to your tasks with renewed focus and energy.
6. Practicing gratitude
Gratitude is more than just a feel-good buzzword—it’s a powerful habit that shapes how successful people approach life. In fact, Oprah Winfrey, Tony Robbins, and Arianna Huffington have all spoken openly about practicing gratitude.
For me, adopting a gratitude practice has been a game-changer.
I started small—writing down three things I was grateful for each night before bed. Some days, it was big achievements or milestones. Other days, it was as simple as a warm cup of coffee or a good conversation.
Over time, I noticed how this simple habit shifted my perspective. I became more optimistic, resilient, and focused on what I had rather than what I lacked.
The key is consistency—it’s not about doing it perfectly but about doing it regularly.
7. Prioritizing physical health
The pursuit of success should never come at the expense of your physical health. Exceptionally successful people understand this and make their health a priority, every single day.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and sufficient sleep – these are non-negotiables that form the foundation of their daily routines.
Exercise not only keeps your body fit but also boosts your mood and energy levels, enhancing your productivity. A balanced diet fuels your body with the necessary nutrients to function optimally. Drinking enough water keeps you hydrated and improves cognitive function. And let’s not forget sleep – the ultimate restorative tool that rejuvenates your body and mind.
In the race to success, it’s easy to neglect our physical health. But remember, your body is the vehicle that carries you towards your goals. So take care of it. Prioritize your health, because without it, all the success in the world means nothing.
Final thoughts: The power of habits
Success isn’t about luck or one-off moments of brilliance—it’s built on the habits we cultivate every single day.
These seven practices may seem simple, but their impact is profound when done consistently over time.
Small changes can lead to big transformations. Start today, stay consistent, and watch how your journey toward exceptional success unfolds.
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