While each person is successful in their own unique way, there are some habits that almost all successful people have in common. Here are 11 things that you can do to increase your productivity and become more successful:
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Create a morning routine.
The most successful people begin their day with a morning routine that gets their day started on the right note. This morning routine can incorporate many different activities, from making coffee to doing yoga to completing a 3-step skincare routine. It may take some trial and error to figure out the right morning for you, but once you’ve got it perfected then you can simply get through your morning on autopilot as you wake up.
Journal every day.
Journaling is an excellent way to not just record the events of the day, but also to reflect on your life and where it’s going. While journaling is a great outlet for venting your feelings or jotting down what happened, the most successful people use journaling as a tool to mull over their progress in accomplishing their goals and what they want their life to look like in the future. Some people also like to pair journaling with a meditation practice to increase self-reflection and enhance their experience.
Focus on your top priorities.
Creating a long to-do list is a surefire recipe for making yourself overwhelmed and ensuring that you don’t do as much as you think you’re going to. The most successful people set no more than three priorities to accomplish for each day, and then dedicate the first hours of their day to checking those off the list. If they have extra time left over, then they use that to do some smaller “bonus” tasks that weren’t on the list.
Single task, don’t multitask.
Multitasking feels productive, but it often results in each task taking longer than it would have if you’d just focused all your concentration on one thing at a time — not to mention that multitasking often leads to a lower quality of work. That’s why successful people single task instead, meaning that they only do one thing at a time and give it their full attention while they’re doing it. This often leads to great efficiency and productivity and a higher quality of work than multitasking does
Get outside and walk.
Sitting in an office all day isn’t great for your mental health or your productivity. That’s why so many successful people swear by getting outside to walk at least once a day and often multiple times. Many people like to do this while they talk on the phone so they can stretch their legs and check something off their list at the same time. Getting outside to a park or another green space is best, but if you don’t have something like that nearby, even a lap around the block will clear your head.
Exercise regularly.
Speaking of walking, having a regular exercise routine will keep both your body and mind strong. Whether you enjoy running marathons or lifting heavy weights or doing a yoga routine, there are many options out there so you can find your perfect exercise that makes you feel energized and powerful. Many successful people work out first thing as part of their morning routine so they can go ahead and check it off their list.
Set goals and track your progress.
The most successful people are very goal oriented, setting objectives and tracking their progress toward achieving. Many of these goals are work related, but successful people also set goals in their personal lives as well, whether that’s trying to run a faster mile or wearing an anti-aging sunscreen every day. Being deliberate about what they’re trying to achieve and how they’re going to achieve it is what sets successful people apart.
Minimize messaging time.
Responding to emails or texts the instant they come in may make you feel productive, but the reality is that it fractures your attention and makes it difficult to concentrate or make important decisions. The most successful people block out a couple of times a day to check their email, texts, and Slack messages — then put their devices down and focus on getting the real work done in between.
Organize your space.
A cluttered space can make your mind feel equally disorganized. That’s why many successful people keep not just their office but also their entire house organized, and they take daily or weekly breaks to clean everything up. Every time they sit down at their desk, they know exactly where everything is and never have to hunt down an important paper in a pile of clutter. Not only that, the clean space helps them to stay focused and get things done quickly.
Become a lifelong learner.
The most successful people never stop trying to grow their minds long after they’ve graduated from school. Many of them set aside at least an hour a day to read not only about their industries and competitors, but also new subjects that expand their thinking and encourage creativity. This can also be a great opportunity to put away screens and wind down before getting into bed (see the next tip).
Set healthy sleep habits.
Getting enough sleep each night is essential for letting your body repair itself and ensuring that your mind is ready to go when you wake up in the morning. Successful people practice good sleep habits, including setting aside enough time to sleep each night and not drinking caffeine after midday to help them fall asleep faster. They also have a relaxing bedtime routine that includes activities like brushing their teeth and washing their face with a facial cleanser to help them wind down before bed.
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What are your other tips for becoming highly successful? Are there any life changes you have made that have increased your productivity? Let us know in the comments below!
