My career felt like it was going nowhere. Then I tried Oprah Winfrey’s powerful habits, and everything changed.

My career used to feel like a string of busy days leading nowhere. I was juggling multiple projects and checking off endless tasks, yet I could never shake the feeling that I wasn’t growing in a meaningful way.

One day, while scrolling through Instagram, I came across an interview clip of Oprah Winfrey describing a few of her day-to-day habits—small, simple rituals that seemed to help her stay grounded, purposeful, and focused. It was striking how straightforward they sounded, yet how profound the impact seemed to be on her life and those she mentors.

I decided to dig deeper and experiment with a few of these habits myself. Before I knew it, I was incorporating them into my routine, and slowly, I began to feel the fog of stagnation lift.

I’d love to share exactly what I tried and how it transformed my approach to work, relationships, and personal growth.

1. Embracing daily stillness

The first habit I tried was carving out a few minutes of quiet each morning. Oprah has talked about her daily meditation and how it allows her to center herself before diving into the chaos of the day.

I used to wake up and immediately check my phone or dash into the shower, mind already racing with a to-do list. I never realized how much that frantic energy set the tone for the rest of my day.

So, I started spending five minutes every morning sitting in silence. No phone, no agenda—just me and my thoughts.

At first, I felt restless. Then, I noticed my mind becoming calmer as I allowed the morning light to fill my room.

This quiet time felt like a soft reset, helping me greet the day feeling more composed. Even in my busiest weeks, that brief pause provided clarity on what mattered most.

2. Keeping a gratitude journal

Oprah often mentions that she keeps a gratitude journal to document what she’s thankful for, no matter how big or small. I used to dismiss gratitude lists as somewhat cliché, assuming they wouldn’t address the deeper issues I faced in my career.

Still, I gave it a try. At the end of each day, I wrote down three specific moments or things I was thankful for.

Sometimes it was something as ordinary as a kind email from a colleague. Other times, it was more personal, like my daughter showing me her latest drawing or a relaxing conversation with a friend.

Over time, this habit subtly shifted my perspective. I realized I was paying more attention to positive interactions and opportunities rather than dwelling on obstacles.

As Farnam Street often points out, our brains have a tendency to focus on what’s going wrong unless we train ourselves to notice what’s going right. By writing down those gratitude notes, I found myself ending my day on a more hopeful note, which fueled my motivation the following morning.

3. Telling myself the truth

One of Oprah’s most famous quotes is, “Speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.” For me, this translated into being radically honest with myself about what I was doing, why I was doing it, and how it was affecting me.

I started by asking tough questions: Was I truly passionate about certain projects, or was I just sticking with them out of fear or obligation? Was I surrounding myself with people who supported my growth, or was I caught in relationships that drained my energy?

This was harder than I expected. It made me confront some unhelpful habits, such as committing to projects out of guilt or not voicing my opinions during team meetings.

The more honest I became, the clearer my goals and boundaries got. I found it easier to let go of tasks that didn’t align with my vision, freeing up time and energy for the ones that did.

4. Learning to say “no” gracefully

Another strong habit I picked up from Oprah’s approach is the willingness to say “no” without feeling guilty. As someone who has managed small businesses and juggles a family, I used to think saying “no” was not an option.

I feared missed opportunities, disappointed clients, or a reputation for being unhelpful. But I noticed how often I ended up overcommitting, leading to subpar outcomes for everyone involved.

Following Oprah’s lead, I began to see that saying “no” is not about being selfish; it’s about making space for what truly matters. When I politely but firmly declined projects that didn’t align with my goals, I found my schedule opening up in a healthier way.

I had more time to dedicate to my existing clients. I was also able to devote more energy to my writing and research, which not only boosted my career satisfaction but also benefitted the people I serve in the long run.

5. Trusting my instincts more

In countless interviews, Oprah emphasizes the importance of tuning into your intuition. I’ve always been someone who values data-driven decisions, but I learned that intuition can be just as vital.

A year ago, I was approached by someone wanting to partner on a new project. On paper, it looked like a perfect fit, but something in my gut felt uneasy.

Instead of ignoring that feeling, I explored it further. I checked references, talked to past collaborators, and paid attention to subtle red flags that I initially brushed aside.

Turned out, my concerns were valid. Had I jumped in solely because the numbers looked promising, I would have set myself up for conflict and wasted energy.

I’ve noticed that combining an intuitive check with logical reasoning often leads to well-rounded decisions. It’s not about discarding facts and figures; it’s about letting your instincts alert you to potential blind spots.

6. Focusing on personal growth

One habit that stands out is Oprah’s emphasis on continuous self-improvement. She’s famously open about devouring books, learning from mentors, and staying curious about life.

I started dedicating a specific time slot each week for self-improvement—reading business strategies, studying psychology, or even just exploring new areas like leadership case studies. I found references in Harvard Business Review that spoke about the compound effect of small, consistent learning sessions.

After several weeks, I noticed I was applying these insights to my businesses almost automatically. Decisions became more strategic, and conversations with clients and partners were more informed.

I also sought feedback more often. My team and close colleagues appreciated my willingness to adapt, which improved our collaboration significantly.

Simon Sinek once said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.” By actively working on myself, I found I could better serve the people who depended on me.

7. Getting comfortable with being vulnerable

One thing that struck me about Oprah is how she’s not afraid to share her vulnerabilities. She openly talks about her struggles, her doubts, and the lessons she learned along the way.

In my own journey, I realized I was trying to project an image of constant composure and certainty. I hesitated to let clients or even peers see me grapple with challenges, fearing they might doubt my competence.

Yet, the moment I allowed myself to be more transparent—explaining the real reasons behind a business pivot or sharing the hurdles I was facing—I gained a new level of trust from those around me. Instead of seeing vulnerability as a weakness, people responded with empathy and support.

I learned that when you share your authentic journey, you build deeper connections. It becomes easier to collaborate, innovate, and grow because everyone feels safe enough to bring new ideas to the table.

8. Staying true to a larger purpose

Something I’ve always admired about Oprah is her clear sense of purpose. She’s not just building a media empire or chasing success for its own sake; she’s driven by a desire to uplift and inspire people.

Reflecting on my own career, I asked myself, “What’s my bigger purpose?” It’s an evolving question, but I know I want to help entrepreneurs develop resilient mindsets and create businesses that adapt to change.

Keeping that purpose in mind helps me when I’m faced with tough decisions. Should I take on a particular client if their mission conflicts with my values?

Should I pivot my content strategy just because everyone else is doing so, or should I stick to what aligns with my core goals?

These questions are easier to answer when I recall my overarching purpose. I don’t feel as pressured to follow trends if they aren’t consistent with my deeper mission.

9. Spreading positivity

One more habit that resonates deeply with me is Oprah’s tendency to uplift others. She always seems to shine a light on the strengths and potential she sees in people, and that ripple effect can change communities.

I started making a conscious effort to highlight what my team and collaborators were doing well. If someone wrote an insightful article, I shared it in our group chat and praised the work.

I also began telling my family and friends what I appreciate about them, right in the moment, rather than waiting for birthdays or special occasions. I realized how seldom we receive genuine compliments in day-to-day life.

Not only did this build stronger relationships, but it also heightened my own sense of optimism. Gratitude and positivity became a cycle—what I put out tended to come back, fueling even more positive energy in my work and personal life.

Moving forward

All these habits—morning stillness, gratitude journaling, honest self-reflection, saying “no,” trusting my instincts, continuous learning, embracing vulnerability, keeping sight of my purpose, and spreading positivity—have re-energized my career in ways I never thought possible.

I discovered that small, consistent actions can create a powerful chain reaction of growth and fulfillment.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of your next step, I encourage you to experiment with one or two of these habits. Tweak them to suit your lifestyle and watch how they gradually shift your mindset, productivity, and relationships.

Sometimes, the simplest habits hold the most profound impact. And as I’ve learned, it only takes a few dedicated changes to realign your path and find renewed passion in your professional journey.

Wherever you are right now, remember that progress doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on small, meaningful habits, you may just unlock the direction and momentum you’ve been searching for.