Live Smart-Work Smart: 8 Things Successful People Do That Others Don’t!

Have you ever looked at someone you deem successful and wonder what secrets they know that the rest of us struggle to find out? Nothing seems to get in the way of a successful person. Successful people appear to effortlessly realize one goal after another, shining in business, and their personal lives. Others are drawn to them, to their charisma, knowledge, and that certain ineffable quality that seems to be innate in men and women of success.

Really, successful people are just the same as you and I. They weren’t born under a magic moon, nor do they have access to some mystical code the rest of us struggle to crack. Those people who prosper in accomplishment after accomplishment, have strong interpersonal relationships, a positive outlook, and simply practice, without fail, certain habits in their daily life. 

Defining Success

It can be difficult to define success by any one example. In general terms, a successful person is one who achieves the goals he or she has set for themselves. One’s success can seemingly manifest itself in tangibles such as a beautiful home, expensive car, globe-trekking vacations, etc., but true success goes much deeper. It’s a quality that has no need for outward glitz and glamour. The real glow of success comes from within.

Success is subjective, and as such, must be determined in a personal way. Self-fulfillment is unique to the individual, and fluid, changing in time and place. The more successful people understand that working toward a goal must never stop, and once achieved, the new goal needs to be brought into focus.

No matter how you currently define success, there is a common thread, a way of approaching life, present in accomplished people of all degrees of success. Let these tenets of success serve as an outline for you to chart your own course to personal fulfillment.

8 Tenets of Successful People

Invest in Yourself

Keep yourself in focus at all times. It’s impossible to give of yourself or to anyone when you’re feeling depleted. Becoming your own first priority isn’t selfish, it’s how you cultivate the best version of you. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Recognize when it’s time to tune out the world and have some fun. Take time to eat right, sleep and exercise. Pursue hobbies that pique your interest. In short, give yourself permission to put you first. Don’t wait until you are overly stressed and burnt out.. Success is manifested in strong, healthy, balanced individuals. Learn to let go of the demands of others and focus on number one.

Live Fearlessly

Recognize and acknowledge your fears, then work to move past them. Many a person has stalled on the road to success because of fear. Fear of failure, and even fear of success, can paralyze you to the point of immobility. Don’t let fear prevent you from fulfillment. Rise up and stare that fear in the eye, challenge your fears, overcome them, and continue on your path to fulfillment and success.

Un-busy Yourself and Stay Focused

Strictly limit your unnecessary distractions, such as social media, and take time to visualize what it is you want to achieve. Set your intentions. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by menial-yet time consuming-tasks. Step away and regain your focus. Remember, grass doesn’t grow on a busy highway.

Be Positive

Successful individuals don’t tolerate negativity, in others or themselves. Learn to recognize “stinking thinking” and banish negativity from your life, including those toxic people who weigh you down. You have the power to change your attitude, to see the glass as half-full to be filled of positive energy that others are drawn to you and toxic people can’t be around you. There are many benefits to a positive attitude such as a stronger immune system, and healthier relationships with friends, family, and that significant other. Positivity is a superpower!  Use it!

Learn to Say No

Every successful person understands that setting limits and saying no is the healthiest act of self-respect there is. The old adage is true: saying yes to one thing means you’re saying no to something else. When that one thing is something you don’t especially want to do, it creates a negative attitude within. You think of what you could be doing instead, you become resentful, and maybe even begin to feel used. Take a minute and think about it before saying yes to those events and practices which don’t add value to your life and start participating in YOUR life instead.

Stay True to Your Values

When you make choices in life that don’t feel right, don’t match your core values, and what you believe in, you create an impediment to your success. Inner moral conflicts can prevent you from moving forward in your career, and your relationships. Something inside begins to feel inauthentic and can rob you of realizing your goals.

They’re drawn to your honesty and your values. You’ve earned their trust. When you live by your values and let your moral compass be your guide, you demonstrate your integrity to all, inspiring and motivating others to do the same. By example, you can change the world.

Remain Thankful

Learn to practice gratitude daily. Just as you can change your attitude from negative to positive, you can become more appreciative, and even grateful for the life you’ve been given. Life can “sucker-punch” any of us at one time or another, and we find it difficult to find something for which to be grateful. Stop. Make a mental list of what is good about your life and give thanks. Just that one simple practice can turn your life around. You begin to see the good in all that’s around you, and you learn to practice an attitude of gratitude.

Laugh Out Loud

Laughter is an instant stress buster. It releases feel-good brain chemicals that are so powerful they can reduce pain. Laughter gives you an energy boost like no other, improves your immunity, strengthens your cardiovascular system, and puts you in a good mood. Successful people know how to find the joy and laughter in almost any situation. Follow their lead and learn to laugh-often.

Success is no mystery. No matter your personal definition, success can be learned and achieved by practicing these 8 habits on a regular basis. Incorporate these success tips into your daily life and soon you’ll be able to realize your goals, achieve fulfillment and lead a fulfilled and successful life.