People who make it further in life than their friends usually display these 7 habits, according to psychology

From the Personal Branding Blog

We all know someone who seems to climb a little higher, reach their goals a little faster, or make their dreams a reality while others are still figuring out their path.

What sets these people apart? Is it just luck or raw talent?

Well, the truth is the difference often lies in their habits.

Success isn’t usually about big, flashy moves; it’s about small, consistent actions that build momentum over time.

Those who make it further tend to adopt mindsets and behaviors that push them toward growth, resilience, and focus, even when the going gets tough.

Today, we’ll look at seven of these habits.

Curious if you’re on the right track? Let’s find out.

1) Embracing continuous learning

If you’re wondering what separates high achievers from the rest, then look no further than their thirst for knowledge.

Those who make it further in life are often lifelong learners.

They understand that in a rapidly changing world, what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow.

They don’t just sit back and expect things to happen.

Instead, they proactively seek out new information, skills, and experiences that can help them succeed.

It’s not just about having a high IQ or natural talent. It’s about having the drive to learn and improve, even when things get tough.

This is well backed up by experts.

The folks at the World Economic Forum for example ranked “curiosity and lifelong learning” as the fifth most important skill for workers in their Future Of Jobs Report 2023.

So, if you want to outpace your peers in life, consider adopting a growth mindset.

Keep learning, keep growing, and keep pushing your boundaries.

2) Prioritizing self-care

Now, this might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people neglect their own wellbeing in the pursuit of success.

In my own life, there was a time when I was so focused on achieving my goals that I completely disregarded my health. I was working long hours, skipping meals, and barely getting any sleep.

At first, I thought I was making progress. But before long, it all caught up with me.

I fell ill and had to take some time off. It was a wake-up call.

That’s when I realized that pushing myself to the limit wasn’t sustainable or productive.

So, I made self-care a priority.

I started eating healthier, exercising regularly, and ensuring I got enough sleep.

And you know what? My productivity shot up. I was able to think more clearly, make better decisions and handle stress more effectively.

I didn’t know it at the time but again this is widely acknowledged by experts in the field of psychology.

For instance, the folks at Choosing Therapy have noted that the self-care is associated with reduced risk of burnout and improveed productivity.

3) Practicing goal-setting

If there’s one thing that consistently drives people forward, it’s setting clear, actionable goals.

Over 1,000 studies have shown that setting high and specific goals is directly linked to improved task performance, increased persistence, and a boost in motivation compared to aiming for vague or easy targets.

Yes more than 1,000!

As the philosopher Seneca once said, “If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.”

Without a clear goal, even the strongest efforts can lack purpose, leading to lost time and energy.

High achievers take the time to define their goals in a way that provides direction and clarity.

The most effective goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

By following this framework, you create a roadmap that not only guides you but also helps you measure progress and stay motivated.

Want to make real strides toward success? Define your goals clearly, and watch your ambition turn into action.

4) Show empathy

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a powerful trait.

It allows us to connect with people on a deeper level and fosters stronger, more meaningful relationships.

But it goes beyond just understanding others.

It’s about truly caring for their well-being and being there for them in times of need.

Empathy can open doors, break down walls, and create opportunities for growth and success.

It makes us human, it makes us relatable, and it makes us better leaders.

5) Embrace change

Change is a part of life. As put by former Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, “Nature loves nothing so much as to change what it is and to create new things in their likeness.”

Whether we like it or not, it’s inevitable. And those who go further in life are those who are not just open to change, but actively embrace it.

Let me illustrate with a personal example.

A few years back, I found myself in a job that didn’t fulfill me anymore.

It was comfortable, yes, but it wasn’t challenging me or helping me grow. I knew something had to give.

So, I took a leap of faith and changed careers. It was scary, and there were times when I questioned my decision.

But ultimately, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Embracing change means stepping out of your comfort zone and being open to new opportunities.

It’s about being adaptable and flexible, even when faced with uncertainty.

Trust me, don’t resist change. Welcome it, embrace it, and use it as an opportunity to learn, grow and reach new heights in life. Change might be hard, but stagnation is even harder.

6) Maintain a positive mindset

A positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring life’s problems. It means approaching them with a constructive attitude.

It’s about seeing the glass half full, not half empty.

It’s about believing in your abilities to overcome obstacles, learning from failures, and viewing them not as the end of the world, but as stepping stones to success.

A positive mindset can change your life.

It can boost your confidence, increase your resilience, and set you on the path to achieving your goals.

So remember, no matter what life throws at you, stay positive. Your mindset determines your reality.

Choose positivity and watch as doors of opportunity start opening for you.

7) Stay consistent

If there’s one thing you should know, it’s this: consistency is key.

Those who achieve great success in life understand the power of this.

They know that success isn’t achieved overnight. It’s the result of small, consistent actions taken over time.

It’s about showing up, day in and day out, regardless of how you feel.

It’s about sticking with your goals and commitments, even when the going gets tough.

It’s about doing the work, even when you don’t see immediate results.

Keep showing up. Keep doing the work.

And watch as your efforts compound into the success you’ve always dreamed of.

Final thoughts: Success is a journey

That just about wraps it up for today folks.

By embracing these habits—continuous learning, goal-setting, self-care, empathy, adaptability, positivity, and consistency—you’re building a strong foundation for progress.

Keep moving forward, stay committed to your growth, and trust that every small step is taking you closer to the life you envision.

The road may be long, but each day, you’re writing your own unique success story.

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