When we think about success, it’s easy to picture big, flashy achievements—like landing a dream job or starting a successful business.
But the truth is, the foundation for lasting success often starts with the smallest, most unassuming habits.
Psychology shows us that these little daily actions can reveal a lot about a person’s potential for future success.
If you’re curious about what makes someone more likely to reach their goals, here are nine small habits that often signal big success on the horizon.
1) They wake up early
As the old saying goes, “The early bird catches the worm.” This still holds true to this day.
Waking up early gives us precious time to plan, reflect, and prepare for the day ahead.
Successful people know that the early hours of the morning are peaceful, distraction-free zones.
It’s the perfect time to set goals, map out tasks, or even indulge in some learning or creativity.
You might notice that successful people often have a consistent morning routine.
This could involve exercise, meditation, journaling, or just enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.
The point is that they use this time proactively and intentionally.
Let me be clear—this tip works just as well for people who work the night shift, too.
It’s not about waking up at dawn but about giving yourself extra hours before your main tasks begin.
Successful people know the value of starting early in their own schedule, whether that’s in the morning, afternoon, or even late at night.
The key is carving out that intentional time to set goals, reflect, and prepare, no matter when your day begins.
This approach helps create a sense of control, allowing you to move through your day with purpose and focus, whether you’re working a 9-to-5 or clocking in at midnight.
2) They set clear and achievable goals
Goal setting is a common thread that ties all successful individuals together.
Without clear and achievable aims, it’s like sailing a ship without a compass.
Successful people don’t just set goals, they make them specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART).
This helps them to stay focused and motivated, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks.
They understand that a goal without a plan is just a wish.
Therefore, they not only define what they want to achieve but also outline the steps necessary to get there.
This habit of goal setting and planning doesn’t just apply to their professional life, but personal life as well.
Whether it’s learning a new skill, improving their health, or nurturing relationships, they always have clear objectives and an action plan in place.
3) They embrace failure
Yes, you read that right: Successful individuals have a unique relationship with failure.
Instead of fearing it or running away from it, they embrace it.
Contrary to what you might think, failure is not the opposite of success, but an integral part of it.
Successful people understand that it’s through failures and setbacks that they learn the most valuable lessons.
Every failure is seen as an opportunity to grow and improve.
It’s a chance to reassess their approach, correct their mistakes, and come back stronger.
They don’t dwell on their failures or let them define their self-worth.
Instead, they use them as stepping stones on their path to success.
It’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up and keep going.
That’s what truly defines success.
4) They take care of their health
Let’s be real. Success isn’t just about the flashy cars, luxurious homes, or a booming career.
It’s also about being healthy enough to enjoy it all.
Successful people understand that their health is their most valuable asset.
Without it, everything else becomes meaningless.
That’s why they prioritize regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep not as an afterthought or something to fit in “when they have time”, but as non-negotiable parts of their daily routine.
They’re fully aware that without the right energy levels, mental clarity, and physical health, they can’t perform at their optimal level.
Health for them isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling good and staying productive.
It’s the foundation on which they build their success.
No compromises here.
5) They practice gratitude
In the hustle and bustle of achieving success, it’s easy to lose sight of what we already have.
But not for successful individuals.
They make it a point to regularly express gratitude for their accomplishments, big and small.
This isn’t about boasting or patting themselves on the back.
It’s about acknowledging their journey, appreciating their efforts, and valuing their progress.
Gratitude for them extends beyond self.
They’re also thankful for the people who support them—be it their family, friends, mentors, or team members.
They understand that success isn’t a solo journey, and they’re grateful for the companionship.
But above all, what gratitude does is to create a shift in mindset. It enables us to see the positives, even on the toughest days.
Practicing gratitude helps successful people focus on what’s going well instead of dwelling on setbacks or stressors.
As Tony Robbins said, “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.”
6) They invest in continuous learning
You know that feeling when you learn something new and it just clicks?
That’s a feeling successful people chase regularly.
They understand that learning doesn’t stop with a degree or a job title.
In fact, the most successful people are often the most curious.
They’re always seeking new knowledge, skills, and experiences.
Whether it’s reading books, attending workshops, or picking up a new hobby, they see every opportunity as a chance to learn and grow.
They believe in the power of lifelong learning not just to boost their career or personal success, but to enrich their life experiences and perspectives.
There’s a lot of research out there showing that there’s a clear link between curiosity and success.
That’s because curiosity:
- Boosts our memory
- Increases patience
- Leads to creative problem-solving
- Makes us more engaged
With all of these benefits, it’s clear how being curious lifelong learners can make us more successful in life.
7) They find joy in the little things
Successful people recognize that not all victories are monumental.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that bring the most joy and satisfaction.
They take time to relish a well-brewed cup of coffee, enjoy a good laugh with friends, or simply appreciate a beautiful sunset.
It’s these small moments of joy that keep them motivated and energized in their journey towards success.
They understand that life isn’t just about the destination—it’s about enjoying the journey.
And finding joy in the little things makes this journey all the more enriching.
After all, what’s success without a sprinkle of joy along the way?
8) They don’t make excuses
Here’s the hard truth: successful people don’t have a magic wand.
They face the same 24 hours in a day, the same challenges, and the same setbacks as everyone else.
What sets them apart is their refusal to make excuses.
If they mess up, they own it; if they’re lazy, they admit it.
Then, they pick themselves up, dust off, and get back on track.
They don’t blame circumstances, other people, or bad luck for their failures.
Instead, they take responsibility for their actions and their outcomes.
Taking responsibility is so fundamental that it’s actually the first principle tackled in Jack Canfield’s book, The Success Principles.
Canfield puts it bluntly yet effectively:
“If you want to be successful, you have to take 100% responsibility for everything that you experience in your life. This includes the level of your achievements, the results you produce, the quality of your relationships, the state of your health and physical fitness, your income, your debts, your feelings—everything!”
So yeah, excuses might feel comforting in the moment, but they won’t get you any closer to your goals.
So ditch the excuses and embrace responsibility—it’s tough love, but it’s a crucial habit for success!
9) They believe in themselves
If there’s one thing you should take away from this, it’s this: successful people believe in themselves—deeply and unconditionally.
It’s really quite simple.
As Albert Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory states, self-efficacy is your belief in your ability to control your functioning and events that affect your lives.
Successful people might have mentors, supporters, and cheerleaders.
But, at the end of the day, it’s their self-belief that fuels their ambition and drives their success.
They trust in their abilities, their potential, and their vision.
Even when things get tough or when others doubt them, they hold onto this belief as their anchor.
Ultimately, it all starts with you.
Believe in yourself, your dreams, and your capacity to achieve them—it’s the most powerful habit for success!
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