“If you believe you can change – if you make it a habit – the change becomes real.”― Charles Duhigg
We all aim at being successful, right? But have you ever stopped to study the lives of the successful? I am not talking about inheritance kind of success, I am talking about all rounded success.
But, let’s take a step back, what is success to you? This question receives varied answers based on your mindset. So, let’s define what success is. Napoleon Hill defines success as “the attainment of definite chief aim without violating the rights of other people.”
In other words, success is when you dedicate your time, money, and energy to pursue a higher purpose. Impacting others without cutting corners or engaging in illegal pursuits.
A good example of a successful life is Mother Teresa’s life. She won the Nobel peace prize for her humanitarian work. Her success was not monetary but her passion to help others live a decent life. She helped the needy, sick, and despised in society live and die in dignity.
Now that I have demystified success, I dare say there is a formula to greatness, to living an impactful life.
In pursuit of living in my God-given purpose. I found myself studying the lives of successful people.
Billy Graham, Nelson Mandela, Mohamed Ali, Martin Luther, Kipchoge Keino. All these great achievers in their different fields had a few things in common.
They were successful because they had discipline, pursued a higher purpose, and impact.
“Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.” Psalm 144:4
In this article, I will narrow down to the habits you can incorporate in your daily routine. To make sure you achieve success.
It doesn’t matter what you pursue. As long as it’s geared for impact. You can incorporate these habits in your normal routine to achieve greater success.
Here are habits that you can incorporate in your daily routine to achieve more.
Wake up early
The bible says that a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of hands to rest and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. This statement is scary but true, it also means for you to love sleep, you have nothing to do or you have chosen sleep.
Waking early is a good habit that has many benefits. Here is a list of the many benefits you can derive from waking up.
All the successful people I know wake up early.This should be a reason enough for you to incorporate this as a habit. I once heard Robert Herjavec, a renowned investor, say he only sleeps for 3 hours. I am not advocating for 3 hours of sleep but for you to sleep for 3 hours that means you have a lot to do in a day.
You have more energy in the morning.
Immediately you wake up, you have the most energy compared to any other time during the day. You have rested, so you can do a lot in the morning. You tend to be more productive in the morning.
It’s quiet in the morning.
If you have people who live with you they are probably fast asleep and you have all the space to yourself. You can enjoy working in quietness and peace before they wake up. Also this early the neighborhood noise and interference are minimal. Tasks can be done in a calm environment.
Your mind is alert
You have ample time to do something and get ready on time if you are going to work. You cut the stress that comes with rushing up and down because you might be late for an appointment or to work. Your mind, thus, is alert and sharp throughout the day.
Your attitude changes
Research shows that early risers have a positive outlook on life. this is in comparison to their counterparts. It also indicated that they are happier in their lifetime.
Drink a Glass of Water
This is a recommended habit to drink water the first thing in the morning. Your body composition is over 60% water, since you lose water it’s important to hydrate regularly.
You can take plain water or spice it up with lemon with ginger and honey. A study indicated that taking water before breakfast reduces your calories by 13 %. This helps you reduce weight.
This is a good habit that keeps you energized and hydrated. In such good condition, you will be able to achieve your daily goals.
Remember to keep hydrating throughout the day.
Organize Your Day
This is taking care of the basics. Is your environment in order? Your sitting area, kitchen, bedroom are they clean and organized?
Prepare for the day by making sure your space is neat and clean. This will set you up for success and you will not worry about minor things. Take care of the minors to ensure you can concentrate on your day’s agenda.
Do have all the tools you need to fulfill your day’s tasks. it could be a checkbook or a meeting you need to attend. Ensure you know A-Z of your day.
Don’t allow others to plan your day. Plan and let others fit into your schedule.
Move
Robin Sharma in his boot 5am club has a 20/20/20 morning rule. 20minutes in your morning should be dedicated to moving or exercising. This is because exercises have many benefits to your body and mental health. He recommends that in the first hour of waking up 20 minutes should be invested in working out.
I love to nurture my body and this is one habit I have incorporated in my daily routine. I love when I sweat and I get tired, this re-energizes me and I focus better on tasks and responsibilities.
Write a To-do List
A do to list is essential to help you organize each hour of the day. Begin by prioritizing your big and small tasks. Remember, to start your big tasks first, You have to keep on revisiting your list.
Attending all your tasks both small and big they all help you achieve the overall success of your day.
A to-do list is guidance as to what needs to be done. However, you might find incomplete tasks, that is still okay. Carry them forward to the next day and ensure you attend to them first.
A to-do list will help you account for your day, it will keep you organized. Ensure you have a to-do list as your daily routine.
Check on someone else
Making time for people who may need help whether they are family, friends or colleagues is good for you
Studies show that giving tends to make people happier. Giving activates the area of the brain associated with pleasure,trust and social connection.
This is known as altruism, it involves selfless acts that put the other people’s needs before one’s own.
This behavior releases endorphins in the brain and boosts happiness for us as well as the people we help.
I always challenge myself to give time, energy, or resources. Especially to someone who may never repay.
The bible speaks of giving as a principle that comes back to you. The energy you give is the energy you receive with equal measure to an overflow.
Make sure you incorporate this good habit in your daily routine. You will see your world change into an amazing experience.
Check your Support System
Research shows that having a strong support system has many benefits. They are higher levels of well-being, better coping skills, and a healthier life. Studies also show that social support reduces depression and anxiety.
You need other humans to thrive. Social support and social interaction have a positive influence on physical and mental health.
Everyone has three groups of people that constitute a support system
Family-emotional support
Friends-emotional support
Colleagues/acquaintances-Professional support
At any time during the day, you can reach out to any of the categories of your support system. The strong foundational support system is crucial for your well being in life.
Your support system keeps you encouraged, challenged, motivated, accountable, and assured. It’s best to know that you aren’t walking alone in life.
You have no option than to thrive with a strong support system.
Work Hard and Smart
Abraham Lincon once said, “Give me six hours to chop a tree. I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
I can never downplay hard work, there is no shortcut to success you have to put in the time. Yet, working hard might never equate to getting the value you are seeking. Working hard must go hand in hand with working smart.
Today, the internet of things means you can access materials from gurus and moguls. You can integrate them into your work-life to grow faster.
You can be mentored and trained by the great and because we can’t reinvent the wheel. Adapt the best practices into your work by benchmarking with people in your industry.
Ask for help, educate yourself, and hone your skills. Working smart ensures you do a task efficiently. This is the ability to meet your desired outcome without wasting time or resources.
Incorporate working smart in your daily routine. Research thoroughly, and asking the question “Can I achieve the best results in a better way?”
Take breaks
Take breaks from your work in your daily routine, don’t sit from morning to evening in the name of working hard. Give yourself breaks every 2 or 3 hours. Walk around, bite something, do some squats or push-up, watch a 5minute video, or make a call.
This helps you refocus and you get clarity as you sit back to continue with your task. As a writer at times, you can’t see errors in your work, You are encouraged to sleep over a copy and read it afresh the next day. I must confess the glaring mistakes at times make me wonder. This indicates that you need to break to gain perspective.
At times you even get insight on how to deliver on a task better when you take a break.
Taking deliberate breaks is a good habit to incorporate into your daily routine.
What habits have you incorporated into your daily routine? If you have one that isn’t captured