Ah, success. Success can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. More money, more travel, more friends, more kids. While success will look different to everyone, I think we can all agree that a life of freedom can be viewed as success. Freedom to do whatever you want.
So, how do we get there? Well, there are things successful people do that most people don’t.
That would make sense, right? Since not everyone is successful, there must be things people who are successful do that the unsuccessful people don’t do. I don’t want to get caught up on the intricacies of success.
However, I do want to focus on the traits that successful people have in common. I’m sharing 7 things successful people do that most other people don’t.
What Constitutes Success (To Me)
As I previously stated, success can look different to everyone. I would never tell someone what success should or shouldn’t look like to them. I do what to share what success looks like to me, though!
Here’s what success looks like, to me:
- Money in the bank. Not necessarily millions, but enough to do what I want, when I want, where I want, with who I want, and how I want.
- A business that sustains itself. I can tell you that a business that sustains itself and takes care of pay for its owner(s) and employees is my definition of success. Not everyone can build a sustainable business.
- Experiencing all the world has to offer. The more place I see, people I meet, food I taste and experiences I have makes me feel more and more successful. I love crossing a new destination or experience off my mental checklist!
- Healthy and happy. To me, health is wealth. Feeling healthy (and actually living a healthy lifestyle) makes me feel good all around.
- Quality time with those I love. The last piece of success, in my opinion, is the ability to spend quality time with my friends and family. Uninterrupted conversations are truly fulfilling.
Okay, I’m done harping on what success looks like to me! I would love to hear if you agree with my success metrics! Now, on to the list of common things successful people do that most other people don’t do regularly.
7 Things Successful People Do that Most Others Don’t
They only spend money when needed (most of the time)
If you really think about it, this is a very interesting trait. Successful people likely have enough money to spend it how they want, but they choose to only spend what they need (most of the time). All that tells me is that successful people have a certain level of discipline that common people don’t have.
As a budgeting coach, I would have to agree with this. There are plenty of people who don’t have a decent sized savings, and are out spending money on things they don’t need. They lack the discipline it takes to succeed in the area of finance. The good thing is that discipline can always be learned and practiced!
They journal/reflect/brain dump
I recently finished reading Rise and Grind by Shark Tank star Daymond John. In the book he talked about how liked to start and end his day with reflection. It made me think about all of the high-profile employees and business owners who write out their goals, journal on a regular basis and spend time reflecting.
Successful people always keep their goals front and center. They do this by writing down their goals, imaging what life will look like when they achieve those goals, and by thinking about the steps needed to reach their goals. This comes by way of journaling, reflecting and getting their thoughts on paper.
They feed their mind with positive or educational content
We all love a good song. A song that makes you feel the words and related. Now, imagine if you had a motivational message that did the same. Consumption of that message may spark you to think and act differently.
That’s where successful people have most other people beat. On a regular basis, they consume positive and educational content.
Successful people are always seeking to learn, improve and master positive thought processes. Instead of reading fiction, watching reality TV, and listening to top hits…They are reading the Wall Street Journal, watching CNBC and listening to TED talks.
They take care of themselves in all aspects
Successful people know that health is wealth. I’m glad I know this too! Does that make me a successful person, too?! Successful people take care of their mind, body and soul. They consume positive content, as we already discussed.
They work out regularly and get outside. They practice yoga, or meditation, or some form of spiritual relaxation.
Successful people know that they have to keep their minds and bodies sharp. Otherwise, they won’t be able to sustain the work they’ve done thus far. They make sure to take care of themselves in all aspects of life.
They get the most important work done first
Successful people don’t procrastinate. More importantly, they make sure the most important work/tasks/things get done before anything else.
You know the Pareto rule: 20% of your work drives 80% of your results. Successful people focus on that 20% work before anything else. That’s why they see all of their results. Then, they keep going.
Another thing that helps them do this is by knowing exactly what they need to do. Successful people don’t have to wonder what the 20% work looks like, they already know. While most other people are just working down the list of everything, those that are successful only list what’s critical to success.
They make time for rest and rejuvenation
People who are successful are not always “on”, though we may assume they would be. Nope! Successful people take time to rest, rejuvenate and unwind. They need to unplug, even for a short amount of time, so they don’t burn themselves out. Everyone needs to take this message to heart.
We live in a society that promotes grind, hard work, and no rest until the work is done. This doesn’t always add up to a successful life.
Making sure your mind and body get some much-needed rest is something successful people prioritize.
They avoid distractions when working towards a goal
The last common thing successful people do that others don’t is avoiding distractions. They can go without social media (if they even have a social media account). They can turn their phone on silent.
They can get the job done without interruption. Successful people know that focus is the key. Distractions make it much harder to get back to work.
Take Control of Your Life
Are you finding that you don’t have as much in common with successful people as you expected? Don’t worry, you can change that!
I love that all of the traits listed above are things anyone can start doing. Sure, it’s always hard to turn an action into a habit, but it can be done. Here are a few things you can start doing now to take control of your life and work towards success:
- Write down your top goals every day
- Journal your thoughts and feelings in a notebook
- Read more educational, personal and professional development, and self-help books.
- Listen to podcasts instead of music
- Walk for 30 minutes a day
- Eat natural, healthy foods 80% of the time
- Smile more
Want to make your financial life successful? Schedule a free consultation with me and let’s get you to the place of success with your money (which will translate to other areas)!
Related: 6 Habits of Unsuccessful People
I don’t know about you, but I’m more inspired than ever to do things a little differently! I feel like I’m on the cusp of doing some of the things successful people do, but I can do much more.
What does success look like to you? Do you do any of the things successful people do listed above? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
