Whether you realize it or not, you have created habits that shape the way you live today. If you created a practice of tithing and saving a percentage of your earnings before spending money on expenses, chances are you have savings ready to invest. If you’re in the habit of going to the gym each morning and controlling your portion sizes, you’re probably in great shape!
Develop The Habit Of Self-Discipline
What if you aren’t practicing good habits right now? Guilty pleasures like overeating, spending money you don’t have, and wasting hours watching TV or playing video games can lead to a shorter, less fulfilling life. I’m about to share how to take control of your feelings and overcome your weaknesses!
Studies have shown that it takes anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form a new habit. If you’ll push through and stick with a difficult decision, you will develop a practice that’s easier to follow.
Wake Up Early
Ninety percent of successful executives wake up by 6 AM before their workday starts. Waking up early gives you time to plan and prioritize your day as well as reduce stress by completing essential tasks early on. I frequently mountain bike at sunrise. On those days, I achieve more because I had time to brainstorm while getting some exercise and fresh air. Start this habit tomorrow morning!
Feed Your Mind
Reading every day is an excellent habit of successful people. You can quickly surround yourself with positive influence and great thinkers through reading. 85% of successful people report that they read over two books per month to educate themselves. Commit to reading for at least 30 minutes a day, and you’ll be in the company of the most successful people on the planet!
Be Early
If you’re not early, you’re late! Be the first one to show up at a meeting, waiting for everyone else to arrive. You’ll be relaxed with coffee in hand, organized, and ready to go. You’ll notice that you’re in more control, and people automatically respect you.
Imagine you’re looking to hire a new employee. The interview is scheduled for 9:00 AM. You arrive 5 minutes before the meeting is supposed to start, and the potential new hire is already there, dressed sharply, organized, and waiting. That would leave a lasting impression!
Don’t be the last to show up. Everyone is busy, and everyone has things to do. When you show up late, you’re telling everyone else that their time is not as valuable as yours!
Make Time To Think And Focus
Schedule time to think. Whether you create a habit of meditation or set aside time to journal and reflect, it’s vitally important to have time to yourself. Your mind needs a chance to decompress and process the day. You can incorporate this in the morning, at night, or even both!
Exercise Regularly
Making exercise a priority will multiply every other habit. A regular exercise schedule will have a significant impact on your success. Even if you’re not concerned with making it onto the cover of a fitness magazine, exercise creates momentum so you can power through whatever life throws at you!
Spend Time With People Who Inspire You
We are highly influenced by those we spend the most time with. Recent research suggests that even friends-of-friends can influence your life, whether you know them or not! American author, Wilferd A. Peterson, once stated:
“Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it.”
Those friends and coworkers you spend time with will affect your future. Decide to surround yourself with achievers.
Make Sure You’re Sleeping Enough
Sleep is important! We all know this, but we often sacrifice sleep for an evening out, binge the latest show, or even work late into the night. Here are just a few reasons why a good night’s sleep is critical:
- Short sleep is one of the highest risk factors for obesity.
- Poor sleep interrupts your regular appetite, causing you to eat more than necessary.
- Lack of proper sleep increases your risk of stroke and heart disease.
- 90% of people suffering from depression report a lack of sleep or poor sleep quality.
- Healthy rest increases your concentration and productivity throughout the day.
- Your body’s immune system benefits from a good night’s sleep.
Make quality sleep a priority!
Organize A Schedule
The easiest way to stop wasting valuable time is to create a schedule and stick to it. Block out an afternoon, get some coffee, and plan out your life. As the old saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!” It doesn’t have to be extremely detailed. Remember that circumstances will change, so your schedule doesn’t have to be set in stone. Creating an organized calendar gives you freedom. With a plan in hand, you can confidently pursue success! Make planning your schedule a weekly or monthly habit.
The “X” Effect For Starting A Habit
All it takes is 50 days for this strategy. Choose the habit you want to work on first. Then draw a 7-by-7 grid of squares on a card or paper. Cross off each day as you complete your goal. While you progress, you will be exercising your willpower. On the 50th day, you can celebrate and move on to another target. Congratulations, you just created a habit! You can use this approach over and over again to incorporate your desired practices into your lifestyle.
Develop winning habits to set yourself up for guaranteed success!