We’ve all heard the saying, “Success is a habit, not an event.”
But what if I told you that building certain habits could put you miles ahead of the rest? Psychology suggests that it’s not just about what we do, but how we do it consistently that sets us apart.
Now, you might be thinking, “Great, another list of things I need to do to succeed.” But hold on just a second. This isn’t about adding more to your already overflowing plate.
Rather, it’s about recognizing the habits you might have unknowingly cultivated that are giving you an edge over 90% of people out there. They’re simple, everyday behaviors that, when practiced regularly, have the power to transform your life.
If you’re intrigued and want to know if you possess these “super habits,” keep reading. You might just find that you’re doing better than you think.
1) Embracing a growth mindset
You’ve probably heard about the “growth mindset” before. It’s a concept brought to the forefront by psychologist Carol Dweck and it’s pretty powerful stuff.
In a nutshell, a growth mindset is the belief that our abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s the idea that intelligence isn’t fixed, but fluid. That failures aren’t setbacks, but opportunities to learn and grow.
Now, you might be thinking, “That sounds great, but what does it have to do with being ahead of 90% of people?” Well, here’s the remarkable thing.
Most people operate with a fixed mindset. They believe that their abilities are set in stone, that they’re either good at something or they’re not. But not you.
If you’ve embraced a growth mindset, you understand that you can get better at anything with time and effort. You see challenges as chances to improve, not as threats to your self-worth.
And that? That puts you way ahead in the game of life.
2) Prioritizing self-care
I’ll admit, this is something I struggled with for a long time.
For years, I was the person who’d burn the candle at both ends, believing that the more hours I put in, the more successful I’d become. I’d skip meals, lose sleep, and work until exhaustion. It wasn’t sustainable, and eventually, my health and productivity took a hit.
One day, after yet another bout of exhaustion, I made a decision. I decided to make self-care a non-negotiable part of my routine. I started taking breaks, getting regular exercise, eating healthier, and ensuring I got enough sleep.
And guess what? My productivity didn’t drop – it soared.
You see, self-care isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. And if you’ve made it a habit to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally, you’re doing better than you think.
Most people neglect their own well-being in the pursuit of success. But not you. You understand that to perform at your best, you need to feel your best. And that understanding puts you ahead of the crowd.
3) Accepting yourself, flaws and all
This one’s a toughie. We’re all so programmed to strive for perfection, to hide our flaws, to put on a brave face even when we’re falling apart inside. But let’s get real here for a moment.
Perfection is a myth.
There, I said it. And you know what else? Those flaws you’re so desperately trying to hide? They’re what make you human. They’re what make you, well, you.
I’ve spent far too many nights lying awake, obsessing over my mistakes, beating myself up over my shortcomings. But I’ve learned something important along the way.
Self-acceptance isn’t about ignoring your flaws or pretending they don’t exist. It’s about acknowledging them, understanding them, and working on them without self-judgment.
If you’ve made peace with your imperfections, if you’ve learned to accept yourself just as you are while striving to become the best version of yourself – you’re way ahead of most people in this journey of life.
Because the truth is, most folks are still caught up in the endless cycle of self-criticism and self-doubt. But not you. You’ve chosen self-acceptance over self-loathing. And that’s a game-changer.
4) Practicing gratitude
It seems so simple, doesn’t it? Saying thank you, appreciating what we have. But in our fast-paced, always-on world, it’s often easy to overlook the good in our lives and focus on what we lack.
Yet, if you’ve cultivated the habit of practicing gratitude, you’re in a unique league of your own.
I’ve found that taking a few moments each day to acknowledge the good in my life has worked wonders for my overall outlook.
Whether it’s the smile of a loved one, a kind word from a stranger, or simply the comfort of a warm bed – there’s always something to be grateful for.
And here’s the powerful part. Gratitude doesn’t just make us feel better; it actually rewires our brains to be more resilient and optimistic.
In a world where many are constantly chasing more, if you’ve learned to appreciate what you already have – you’re not just ahead of 90% of people; you’re leading a richer, more fulfilled life.
5) Embracing failure as part of the process
Did you know that Thomas Edison, one of the greatest inventors of all time, once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”? He viewed each “failure” not as a setback but as another step forward towards success.
And if you’ve developed a similar habit of seeing failure as part of the process rather than the end of the road, you’re certainly in an elite group.
In a society that often equates failure with incompetence or lack of effort, it takes courage to embrace failure. But it’s precisely this courage that sets you apart.
When you see failure as a teacher rather than a judge, every setback becomes an opportunity to learn, grow, and get closer to your goals. That’s not just a positive attitude – it’s a recipe for long-term success.
So if you’re comfortable with falling down and getting back up again, know this: you’re doing better than you think. In fact, you’re way ahead of the curve.
6) Listening with the intent to understand
In a world where everyone wants to be heard, being someone who genuinely listens is a rare and precious gift.
We’ve all been in conversations where we can tell the other person is just waiting for their turn to speak, not really hearing what we’re saying. It’s frustrating and can make us feel unheard and unimportant.
But if you’re the type of person who listens – truly listens – to others, you’re creating meaningful connections that go beyond the surface level.
You see, when you listen with the intent to understand, not just to respond, you’re telling the other person that they matter, that their thoughts and feelings are valid and important.
And that kind of empathy? It’s rarer than you think. In a world often focused on self, if you’ve developed this habit, know that you’re making a real difference in people’s lives.
And that’s something truly special.
7) Cultivating mindfulness
It’s no secret that our modern world is filled with distractions. From endless social media feeds to the constant buzz of notifications, it’s easy to get lost in the noise and lose sight of the present moment.
But if you’ve made a habit of practicing mindfulness – of staying fully engaged and present in your current task or moment – then you have a powerful tool at your disposal.
Mindfulness is more than just a buzzword. It’s a practice that can substantially reduce stress, increase focus, and enhance overall well-being.
In a world where multi-tasking is often celebrated, being mindful sets you apart. It allows you to live more fully, to savor each moment, and to engage more deeply with those around you.
This isn’t just about being ahead of 90% of people. It’s about leading a richer, more meaningful life. And if you’re practicing mindfulness, you’re doing exactly that.
Final reflections
Recognizing yourself in these habits doesn’t mean you’re perfect. Far from it. It means you’ve made strides towards self-development that are significant and powerful.
And if you’ve not quite mastered all these habits yet? That’s okay too.
Take a moment to reflect on these habits and identify areas where you want to grow. Whether it’s practicing more mindfulness or getting comfortable with failure, know that each small change can have a profound impact.
Don’t rush the process. Personal growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a continuous journey of learning, evolving, and becoming better than we were yesterday.
As the renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”
Keep moving forward. Keep striving to be the best version of yourself. And remember, even if it doesn’t always feel like it, you’re doing better than you think.
