Success is not just about working hard; it’s also about working smart. Many highly successful people have distinctive formulas to reach business success, and some of the techniques are surprisingly peculiar. They might include that annoying co-worker of yours who asks lots of questions or someone in your class who has a habit of staying late.
While we tend to get easily annoyed with most of these habits, they are the reason why others are becoming successful. So, next time one of your co-workers asks a question, join and support them. For now, let’s explore some of the annoying daily habits of successful people that set them apart from other people.
The Early Bird Catches the Worm
Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for 11 years, began her days not at 6 o’clock, not at 5 o’clock … but at 4 o’clock in the morning! It is said that she slept only 4 hours during the week. The question is, where did she get the energy to build the fame of the Iron Lady? Successful people know that time is their most valuable asset, and waking up early gives them the extra time they need to tackle their day.
Stand Out
Seth Godin, an American businessman and leading marketing theorist, is known for wearing brightly colored socks, full of shapes and different from one another. He does it to illustrate a point: that of not being afraid to “step out of the mold.” Successful people understand that standing out is important to achieve success. They know that taking risks and being different can lead to ground-breaking ideas.
The Power of Meditation
Eric Ripert, French chef and owner of Le Bernardin, one of the best restaurants in the world, meditates for a couple of minutes before starting his daily activities and offers his day to Buddha. Ripert is a faithful devotee of Buddhism and a follower of the Dalai Lama. Successful people know that mental clarity is essential for success, and meditation is an excellent way to achieve it.
The Power of Saying “No”
Successful people say “no” more often than “yes.” They understand that their time and energy are valuable and should not be wasted on things that are not important. Warren Buffet, one of the most successful investors of all time, once said, “The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say ‘no’ to almost everything.” Highly successful people know that saying “no” to things that don’t align with their goals and values should not be considered.
The Power of Repeating Yourself
Successful people like to repeat themselves, a lot. They understand that repetition is key to embedding ideas in people’s minds. Steve Jobs, the late co-founder of Apple, was famous for repeating himself during presentations. He understood that repetition was necessary for people to remember his ideas.
The Power of Quitting
Successful people are quitters. They understand that not every idea or project is worth pursuing. They know that quitting is sometimes the best decision they can make. Michael Jordan, one of the most successful basketball players of all time, once said: “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Successful people know that quitting is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength.
The Power of Focus
Successful people know that focus is essential for achieving their goals. They avoid distractions and focus on what’s important. Leo Widrich, a young entrepreneur and co-founder of Buffer, a company that manages company social networks, prefers to always wear the same shirts so that he can focus his mind on “bigger decisions.” Successful people know that small decisions can take up valuable mental energy that should be used for more significant decisions.
The Power of Rest
Successful people know that rest is essential for success. They understand that taking breaks and getting enough sleep is crucial for mental and physical health. Michael Phelps, a swimmer and American Olympic medalist, sleeps in an air-controlled compartment that simulates some 2,700 meters in height. The objective? Force your body to work even while you are asleep to produce more red blood cells and deliver oxygen to your muscles.
The Power of Isolation
Maya Angelou, poet, novelist, activist, actress, singer, screenwriter and film director, locked herself in a small hotel room from 7 am to 2 pm. She carried a dictionary, a bible, a card game and a bottle of sherry … to stimulate creativity, of course. Successful people know that isolation can be a powerful tool for achieving their goals. By removing distractions, they can focus on their work and achieve their objectives.
The Power of Gratitude
Dave Kerpen, owner of Likeable Local, a successful social media company, writes thank you notes by hand. At least three a day. This practice allows him to have a close bond with his employees and customers. Successful people know that expressing gratitude is an excellent way to build relationships and inspire loyalty.
Highly successful people have unconventional habits that allow them to achieve their goals. They wake up early, stand out, meditate, say “no” more often than “yes,” repeat themselves, quit, focus, rest, isolate themselves, and express gratitude. By adopting these habits, you too can achieve success in your personal and professional life.
