Understanding Our Daily Habits
Every day, from the moment we wake up and leave our beds, we engage in various activities repeatedly before heading out to college or work. Throughout the day, we also perform certain tasks on a regular basis, regardless of the setting or circumstances. These actions, whether done consciously or unconsciously, are known as habits. For instance, brushing our teeth upon waking is a common habit, though the timing may vary: some brush immediately after getting up, while others do so before or after a shower, or even after breakfast. Similarly, many people have the habit of listening to music, catching up on news, or playing a game each morning. Ultimately, the repetitive actions we take every day define our habits.
Ten Simple Habits of Highly Successful People
We are defined by our habits, meaning our daily actions shape who we are. The things we do routinely influence our physical and mental well-being, as well as how we think, speak, and behave. This is why some individuals may be drawn to us while others might not. Therefore, it's crucial to cultivate habits that enhance our relationships and contribute to our personal goals. When we foster positive connections and gain support from those around us, we can accelerate our progress toward achieving our aspirations. In this article, I will discuss ten fundamental habits of highly successful people you may already be familiar with. You might be surprised to learn that these habits are quite simple, and if practiced consistently, they can help you achieve the success you desire in any area of your life. Let’s now study what these self-improvement habits are.
The Power of a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Habit 1: Early to bed, early to rise: It is essential to get a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep each night. This amount of rest allows both your mind and body to fully recharge, enabling you to perform efficiently the next day. To maintain this efficiency, make it a habit to complete all pending tasks by 9:30 PM and aim to be in bed no later than 10:00 PM each evening. Interestingly, many top performers in cinema, sports, and business prioritize sleep and often go to bed by 9:00 PM every night, including weekends. Equally important is waking up no later than 5:00 AM, seven days a week. The time between waking up and sunrise, typically around 6:00 AM, is ideal for engaging in habits that foster rapid self-improvement.
Harnessing the Power of Gratitude and Intention
Habit 2: Communicate with Universal Intelligence: Begin your day with a few moments of silence to connect with the universal intelligence. Use this time to express gratitude and appreciation for everything you have, no matter how small it may seem. If you desire something specific, be direct in your requests. Instead of framing your desires negatively—like saying, "I don't want to be fat!"—focus on what you do want, such as, "I want to be slim and fit, weighing 'x' kilograms." By expressing gratitude for what you currently have, you open yourself up to receiving even more. When you communicate your wishes clearly and straightforwardly, you increase your chances of manifesting them in your life.
The Transformative Practice of Meditation
Habit 3: Meditate: Early morning is the ideal time to meditate. Most meditation practices recommend two sessions each day, lasting about 20 to 30 minutes each. The benefits of meditation are numerous. For instance, meditating twice daily helps maintain mental balance, as issues that once troubled you become less overwhelming when your relaxed mind discovers simple solutions. Regular meditation teaches you to quiet your thoughts, with the morning session providing a calming effect that lasts throughout the day. Similarly, the evening session soothes both your mind and body, promoting restful sleep at night. When you wake up refreshed and relaxed, you can meditate again to recharge, ensuring you are at your most productive throughout the day.
The Vital Role of Physical Exercise
Habit 4: Physical Exercise: Engaging in physical activity for about 20 to 30 minutes each morning can be incredibly invigorating. A brisk walk is a simple yet effective way to start your day. Yoga is another excellent option, as it helps maintain flexibility in your spine and joints while also improving posture. Activities like tennis or badminton stimulate both the body and mind, contributing to overall wellness. Ultimately, any form of physical exercise can achieve these benefits, enhancing your physical and mental health.
The Revitalizing Power of a Morning Shower
Habit 5: The Shower: Enjoy a refreshing shower each morning to kickstart your day. Alternating between cold and hot water is particularly invigorating and complements your meditation and physical exercise routines. Making this a consistent habit helps cleanse both your body and mind, allowing you to begin the day with a renewed sense of vitality and clarity.
The Importance of a Morning Shave for Men
Habit 6: Shaving for Men: It is advisable to shave immediately after a shower when your skin is soft and hydrated. The significance of a morning shave cannot be overstated, especially in an era when some young men view sporting stubble as fashionable, following the trends set by many male celebrities. However, employers typically expect employees to present a fresh and clean appearance, particularly for candidates attending job interviews. Therefore, cultivating the habit of shaving each morning before heading to college or work is essential for making a positive first impression.
The Importance of Dressing Neatly
Habit 7: Dress Neatly: The clothes you wear each day should be fresh and well-pressed, with all buttons and zippers in place. A recommended outfit consists of a light, full-sleeved shirt paired with dark trousers. Opt for shirts in shades like white, off-white, light blue, or light grey, and avoid dark colours or patterned designs at work. For example, if you choose a white shirt, complement it with dark blue, dark grey, or black trousers. A light blue shirt pairs well with dark blue trousers, and a light grey shirt looks great with dark grey trousers. Additionally, any of these light-coloured shirts can be matched with black trousers. Be sure to select socks that match both the colour and texture of your trousers for a polished look.
The Art of Choosing and Carrying Accessories
Habit 8: Wear and Carry Appropriate Accessories: The accessories you choose to wear, or carry should complement each other and harmonize with your outfit. Key accessories include items like spectacles (if you wear them), wristwatches, belts, and shoes. Ensure that the colours of your belt and shoes match, either in black or tan. For instance, a black belt should be paired with black shoes, while a brown-tan belt should coordinate with brown-tan shoes. During the week, opt for leather shoes with laces instead of casual or sports shoes, as this will help you become accustomed to formal attire.
Stay Informed About the World
Habit 9: Stay Abreast: Begin your day by staying informed about current events and developments from the previous night. Take about twenty minutes each morning to read the main headlines and, most importantly, the editorial section of a daily newspaper. By keeping up to date with global happenings, you will have the knowledge necessary to engage in meaningful discussions at college or work. For a deeper understanding of important topics, consider reading publications like The Economist, The Week, Time, or Newsweek.
The Benefits of Watching the News on Television
The News on Television: Watching the news on television offers numerous benefits. In addition to providing a firsthand account of events with audio, images, and videos, it helps you develop important skills such as pronunciation, sentence construction, and the ability to convey information effectively and engagingly. Observing professional presenters can also teach you about voice modulation and presentation techniques. Incorporating news viewing into your routine can enhance your overall communication abilities while keeping you informed about current events.
The Importance of a Power Breakfast
Habit 10: The Power Breakfast: Many young people begin their day by skipping breakfast, often citing a lack of time or mistakenly believing it will help with dieting. Consider this: embarking on a journey without fuelling your vehicle would only lead to a breakdown midway. Similarly, our bodies struggle to function without breakfast. Remember, your last meal—dinner—was likely several hours before you went to bed. Therefore, starting the day with a substantial breakfast is essential. A nutritious meal that includes fruits, nuts, and cereals or porridge is highly recommended. Additionally, incorporating freshly squeezed juices into your breakfast routine is crucial for maintaining good health and boosting your energy levels.
A Foundation for Building Good Habits
These ten fundamental habits serve as a starting point for cultivating positive behaviours that align with your goals and aspirations. In my book, Becoming Recruitable, I explore a total of 42 habits, with the first ten you’ve just learned about forming the essential foundation of this comprehensive list.
The Crucial Role of Habits in Achieving Success
Habits form the foundation of your success. A person with well-established habits can be easily recognized, as these behaviours shape their character and actions. By adopting healthy and positive habits that resonate with you, you can significantly enhance your personal growth and well-being.
Best wishes,
About the Author
As a multifaceted mentor, Certified Life and Career Coach, and Counsellor, Ash Nan serves as a guiding light for individuals of all ages, including children. With certified expertise in Hypnotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Emotional & Thought Freedom techniques (EFT/TFT), & soon mastering Counselling, Ash Nan empowers individuals to achieve exceptional success in their personal pursuits. As a certified Kundalini Yoga Third-Eye Practitioner, he skilfully blends ancient wisdom with modern strategies. Dedicated to supporting first-time job seekers, Ash created the transformative program "Finishing Touch," which has guided numerous students toward fulfilling careers.
He is also the author of two insightful books, “Mirror your mega success image” and his latest, "Becoming Recruitable." To learn more about his work, visit: www.ash-nan.com and www.ashnan.cts.com.