Everyone has their own definition of success. For some it is financial, for others it is a collection of all aspects of life.
According to my personal definition of success, I have been truly blessed in my life to be surrounded by some extremely successful people. Nothing in this world is more inspiring to me than seeing people from similar backgrounds and situations absolutely flourishing in life. We all have that same potential in us, the difference is how we go about it.
There are simple daily rituals that you can add to your life that can be the difference between existing and succeeding.
1. Morning Routines
The first hour of your day dictates how the rest of the day will play out. If you wake up putting out fires, and reacting to stress, that basically sets the tone for the rest of the day. Having a morning routine that involves you collecting yourself and gearing up for the tasks of the day gives you the opportunity to be proactive instead of reactive. The less variation there is in your morning routine, the better – because as your mind goes into auto-pilot, your brain is clear to process other things. Your ability to put your brain into an auto-pilot mode can greatly improve your ability to start your day on your own terms.
2. Work Smart
One essential part of your daily routine should be effective planning. Sometimes we feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done that we want to get done, but the reality is that we are trying to do too much. Taking a few minutes at the beginning of the day to assess your tasks, and plan them out. Stick to that plan, and you’ll begin to see that you can get more done in the same amount of time simply by planning out your day.
3. No Problems, only Challenges
Things like complaining, making excuses, and whining are not on the list of daily routines of successful people for a reason: they don’t do anything. Instead, take the time to approach any problems that come up in life as a challenge. Strategize , plan, and act – that is how things get accomplished.
4. Act Now
One routine of successful people is that they get things done. Some people make a routine of putting things off or avoiding having to address a situation, when successful people simply get it done. It is a routine in and of itself to be proactive and productive. A decent plan carried out today is better than a perfect plan carried out eventually.
5. Know your Limits, and Test Them
Getting out of our comfort zones is one of the most productive things that we can do for ourselves. You never really know what you are capable of if you don’t try new things and test limits that you think exist. Successful people make a routine out of pushing their limits to see what they are truly capable of.
6. Listen to Intuition
Wisdom comes from experience, which is the greatest teacher in life. When it comes to making a tough decision, relying on you intuition typically leads to making a better choice. That gut feeling you have in life should never be ignored, because it your mind’s way of saying “hey, we’ve been here before – and this is how it worked out last time.”
7. Remain Positive
Positive attitude determines the outcome of any situation. Attitude is also the only aspect of our lives that we have 100% control over. No matter what the world throws at you, staying positive can affect the outcome. Now, I’m not saying that you need to be naive, I am saying you need to be optimistically realistic. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but it is completely possible.
8. Keep a Journal
Keeping a journal is an excellent method of not only documenting successes and failures, but also give you a chance to vent frustrations and celebrate achievements in a way that is personal and effective. Some people might see that as passive aggressive, but in reality, what you are frustrated about right this second might not be frustrating a day from now. Reviewing your journals and finding patterns is also effective. Let’s say there is something that you achieved in the past, and you want to repeat that success, or there is something that has been bothering you for a while, and you need to make a decision.
9. Have a Mentor
Successful people almost always have at least one person that they go to for advice, support, or ideas on a routine basis. the old adage that “two heads are better than one”, is universal. Whether it is a second opinion, a second set of eyes, or just a fresh perspective on an old problem – our mentors provide input into our lives that is only effective if we use it.
10. Accept Criticism
All criticism is essentially constructive, if you take it correctly. I think the problem that people have is that they take criticism personally and get defensive. No matter how harsh someone can be when delivering criticism, if there is a real message to what they are saying, extrapolate it. If someone is just attacking you on a personal level, then they are a jerk, and not worth your time. Successful people can distinguish the two.
