There’s a marked difference between simply living life and thriving in it.
That difference? It often comes down to daily habits.
The most successful people don’t rely on luck or fleeting motivation to reach their goals. Instead, they’ve developed routines and practices that consistently push them toward growth, resilience, and achievement.
In this article, we’re diving into seven such daily habits of people who are poised for greatness—and how you can make them part of your own life.
1) Setting clear goals
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about people poised for great success in life: they are goal-setters.
They understand the power of setting clear, attainable goals. They don’t leave their dreams to chance. They map out a path toward their desired outcomes, breaking down large aspirations into manageable daily tasks.
This isn’t just about ticking boxes or crossing items off a to-do list. It’s about creating a vision for their future and working every day to make it a reality.
2) Maintaining a healthy work-life balance
Here’s one you might not have expected but I’ve seen this firsthand in my own journey towards success.
There was a time when I was all about work, work, and more work. I thought that the more hours I put in, the more successful I would become.
But I soon realized that this approach was counterproductive. I was burning out, and my relationships and health were suffering as a result.
So, I made a conscious decision to change my ways. I started giving myself permission to take breaks, to spend time with loved ones, and to engage in activities that nourished my soul.
And guess what? My productivity didn’t decline; it improved. My mind was clearer, my creativity flowed more freely, and I had a renewed sense of purpose.
Now, no matter how busy things get, I always make time for self-care. And it has made all the difference in my life.
3) Practicing mindfulness
Another common habit among those poised for great success is regular mindfulness practice.
Mindfulness, or the act of being fully present in the moment, is a powerful tool that can help reduce stress, increase focus, and improve overall well-being.
In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeply into the positive impact of mindfulness on success and happiness. I share how this ancient Buddhist practice can help us live with more purpose and less ego, leading to greater fulfillment in both personal and professional life.
But you don’t have to be a Buddhist to benefit from mindfulness. Anyone can incorporate it into their daily routine.
It can be as simple as taking a few moments each day to focus on your breath, or consciously bringing your attention back to the present when your mind starts to wander.
4) Adopting a growth mindset
One of the most crucial habits of people poised for great success is the adoption of a growth mindset.
This concept, first developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence.
In contrast to a fixed mindset – where people believe their abilities are unchangeable – a growth mindset opens up a world of possibilities. It fosters resilience in the face of challenges and encourages continuous learning and improvement.
For instance, if they’re struggling with a new skill, instead of thinking “I’m not good at this,” they’ll think “I’m not good at this yet.” This simple shift in thinking can have a profound impact on their approach to challenges and their capacity to overcome them.
5) Saying no
Here’s one you might not have expected.
Many of us have been conditioned to think that agreeing to every request or opportunity that comes our way is the path to success. However, this can often lead to overcommitment and burnout.
High-performing individuals understand that their time and energy are finite resources. They recognize the importance of prioritizing their tasks and commitments and are not afraid to decline requests that don’t align with their goals or values.
They know that every time they say yes to something, they’re essentially saying no to something else. For instance, saying yes to an unnecessary meeting may mean saying no to valuable time spent on a key project or with loved ones.
6) Continually seeking feedback
While it’s natural to shy away from criticism, successful people understand that constructive feedback is crucial for growth and improvement.
They are not threatened by it but welcome it as a means to learn and better themselves.
They seek out feedback from their peers, mentors, and even their subordinates, knowing that different perspectives can provide valuable insights. They ask questions, listen with an open mind, and then use this information to make necessary adjustments in their behavior or approach.
7) Prioritizing health and fitness
Last but certainly not least, successful people prioritize their health and fitness.
It’s no secret that a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind. As noted by experts, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases our energy levels, and even enhances our cognitive abilities.
Successful individuals understand this deeply. They make time for regular exercise, whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a run, or practicing yoga. They also pay attention to their diet and ensure they’re fueling their bodies with nutritious food.
The bottom line
Success isn’t about grand gestures or overnight achievements—it’s built on the foundation of daily habits that shape your mindset, health, and approach to life.
Which of these habits will you start incorporating today?
Small, consistent changes can lead to extraordinary results over time. Your journey to success starts now!
