7 habits to start doing now to get ahead of everyone else in 5 years

You may have noticed that some people just seem to have it together – they’re always a step ahead, they’re on top of their game and successful in what they do. What’s their secret?

Well, it’s not all about luck. It’s about habits. The right habits can propel us forward, helping us achieve our goals faster than we thought possible.

And the best part? You can start these habits now. You don’t have to wait for the New Year or a special occasion. You’d be surprised how much you can accomplish in five years with the right habits in place.

Here are seven habits you should start today if you want to get ahead of everyone else in the next five years. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

1) Embrace lifelong learning

We live in an era of constant change. Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and with it, the way we work, live and interact with the world.

The most successful people know that to stay ahead, they must continually learn and adapt. They read books, attend seminars, take online courses, and engage in activities that expand their knowledge and skills.

Lifelong learning isn’t just about professional development though. It’s also about personal growth, understanding the world around us, and being able to make informed decisions.

If you want to get ahead, make learning a habit. Dedicate time each day to learning something new. Not only will it prepare you for the future, but it will also make you a more interesting person.

The more you know, the more opportunities you’ll have to succeed. And that’s not manipulation – it’s being smart about your future.

2) Prioritize your wellness

I can’t stress this enough – your health and wellness are crucial to your success. I learned this the hard way.

A few years back, I was working a high-stress job, getting by on minimal sleep, and surviving on takeout meals. Sure, I was making strides in my career, but my health was suffering. I felt sluggish, irritable, and struggled with constant fatigue.

It wasn’t until I made a commitment to prioritize my wellness that things started to change. I began by setting a regular sleep schedule and sticking to it. I started eating healthier, exercising regularly, and taking breaks to recharge.

The difference was astounding. I felt more energetic, more focused, and more productive. My work improved, and so did my relationships.

In hindsight, it seems obvious. But at the time, it felt revolutionary.

Wellness isn’t just about avoiding illness. It’s about creating a lifestyle that allows you to thrive and perform at your best. So if you want to get ahead in the next five years, start making your wellness a priority now. It’s a habit that will pay dividends in every area of your life.

3) Nurture your network

Relationships are the backbone of success. It’s not just about who you know, but who knows you, and what they think of you.

A study conducted by the Adler Group and LinkedIn revealed that 85% of all jobs are filled through networking. This goes to show the importance of cultivating and maintaining strong professional relationships.

But networking isn’t just about landing your next job. It’s about building a community of people who can provide support, share opportunities, and offer insight.

Make it a habit to regularly connect with people in your network. Attend industry events, join online forums, or simply catch up over coffee.

The value of your network isn’t measured by the number of connections you have, but by the quality of those connections. So focus on building meaningful relationships that are mutually beneficial.

4) Cultivate resilience

The road to success is rarely a straight one. There will be obstacles, setbacks, and failures along the way. That’s a given. But what separates those who succeed from those who don’t is resilience – the ability to bounce back from adversity.

Resilience isn’t something you’re born with. It’s a habit you can cultivate. And it starts with changing your perspective on failure.

Instead of viewing failure as the end, see it as a learning opportunity. Each setback is a chance to grow, to improve, and to get one step closer to your goals.

When you face adversity, don’t let it deter you. Instead, use it as fuel to push forward. After all, the greatest success stories often come from the biggest failures.

5) Practice gratitude

Sometimes, in our quest for success, we can get so caught up in what we don’t have that we forget to appreciate what we do have. That’s a trap I fell into.

I was always looking ahead, chasing the next goal, the next milestone. But in doing so, I lost sight of the good things already in my life.

Then, I started practicing gratitude. Each day, I made it a point to reflect on three things I was grateful for. It could be as simple as a good cup of coffee or as significant as a loved one’s health.

The impact was profound. It shifted my focus from what was missing to what was present. It made me happier, more content, and surprisingly, more driven.

Gratitude isn’t just about feeling good. It’s about recognizing the positive aspects of our life and using them as a stepping stone towards our goals. So if you want to get ahead, make gratitude a daily habit. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.

6) Set clear goals

Success is a journey, and like any journey, you need a destination in mind. Without clear goals, you’re simply wandering aimlessly.

Goals give us direction. They help us focus our efforts and measure our progress. They also give us a sense of purpose and motivation.

But setting goals isn’t enough. You also need to break them down into manageable tasks. This makes them less daunting and easier to achieve.

And remember to be flexible with your goals. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, we need to adjust our plans. But as long as you keep your end destination in mind, you can navigate any detours that come your way.

Start setting clear goals today. Not only will it help you get ahead in the next five years, but it will also bring direction and purpose to your life.

7) Take action

At the end of the day, the most important habit of all is taking action. You can have the best plans, the grandest goals, and the greatest network, but without action, they’re all just ideas.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect conditions. They don’t exist. Start where you are with what you have, and take that first step.

Each small action you take brings you one step closer to your goals. It’s a simple concept, but it’s often overlooked.

If there’s one thing you take away from this, let it be this: Start taking action today. It’s the surest way to get ahead of everyone else in the next five years.

Final thought: Success is a journey

As we navigate through life, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our progress with others. But success isn’t defined by how quickly you reach your destination. It’s about the journey you undertake to get there.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” These words hold profound truth. Success isn’t about having all the right answers or resources. It’s about making the best use of what’s available to you and taking consistent action.

The seven habits we’ve discussed here aren’t shortcuts to success, but they’re steps in the right direction. They’re about taking control of your life, making conscious choices, and actively shaping your future.

So as you embark on your journey towards success, remember to appreciate each step you take. Whether it’s cultivating resilience in the face of adversity or savoring moments of gratitude, each habit is a testament to your growth.

After all, success isn’t just about getting ahead of everyone else in five years. It’s about becoming a better version of yourself each day. And that, in essence, is the real victory.