The people most successful people have certain habits in their daily routines enabling them to work smarter and get more out of their day.
“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” John Maxwell.
We all have a next best version of ourselves to become.
Do you need a habits tune-up?
Although habits are hard at the beginning, they are what separates good from the great achievers. In any endeavour.
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going” Jim Rohn1.
Here are 5 habits that can accelerate what you can achieve:
1. Say ‘no’ to distraction. Every single time.
Successful people make better use of their time because they are disciplined goal-setters. Your ability to discern what to focus on and what to say no to, is a game changer.
- Set up your day with 3 non-negotiable tasks – things that MUST get done.
- Don’t multi-task – it’s not an efficient way to work.
- Don’t do the nice/easy stuff when there are A & B task priorities.
- Don’t waste time – on the stuff you already know wastes time. Stop.
One more additional thing. If you’re uncomfortable delegating or saying no, you’re probably not doing it enough.
2. Make every meeting purposeful
Research shows that a crazy 25-50% of meeting time is on average wasted. Treat your time as precious with these tips:
- Align on the purpose and time allocation at the start
- Agree on the criteria by which decisions will be made
- Move the conversation on if the detail isn’t necessary
- Seek commitments when decisions are made.
3. Get out of your comfort zone
Do something every day that stretches you and makes you uncomfortable. In other words, decide to ‘give it a go’ versus ‘get it perfect’. For example:
- Give feedback on demand versus thinking it over and waiting until the time is right to give it. The right time is now.
- Develop your connections. Invite someone you don’t know for a coffee to explore ideas that can benefit you both. They can’t say no if you don’t ask them (and they might say yes)
- Have a voice: Lean in and give your idea or opinion. Back you and trust you’ll have value to add (turn down your inner-critic voice).
4. Decide how you will show up – regardless of what happens
Leadership is perception. 90% of leadership is self-leadership. Your attitude and emotional state is always on display. The more self-aware you are the greater chance you have to engage, influence and inspire others. Decide to be:
- Curious – to learn and understand
- Open – to hear diverse perspectives
- Judgment free – to listen without judging (as good/bad, right/wrong, us/them)
- Grateful – to appreciate everyone makes a unique contribution – even if you don’t agree with it.
5. Engage in quality self-reflection
All successful people have a love of learning. They read constantly, ask great questions, find mentors who can teach them, and value new information that can help push them forward. High performers invest in self-reflection time to:
- Evaluate perspectives – using critical thinking and sound judgement to make the next set of decisions
- Evaluate themselves – in a way that is constructive, positive, kind and undramatic.
What are the habits you want to keep, toss, and introduce into your daily routine?
