If we observe some of the greatest minds of our time, including Oprah, Mark Cuban, and Bill Gates, each of them share common traits and habits that have proven to boost their career success. They've also failed miserably at times but never stopped working hard—a trait people tend to glaze over when looking at highly successful people.
So, what really sets these successful people apart from the rest? Here are seven highly effective habits of the rich, famous, and glamorous:
1.Read A Lot (For Pleasure)
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It's easier to find motivation to read when it's required for work or school-related projects. Yet, how many of us read for enjoyment, simply to feed our intellect?
Many rich people do this without question. Mark Cuban reads three hours a day. Bill Gates asks his assistant to refill a large tote weekly with new books, reading about 50 books per year. Albert Einstein was a book lover, too.
For most people, 50 books a year is out of reach and understandably so. But any reading progresses your mind and helps you learn from the rookie mistakes of others. General knowledge is important too, because you'll never know when a certain topic will come up and having some background on it could help you provide a solution or useful comment.
2.Get Up Early
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In a study by Corley, results showed that 50% of self-made millionaires get out of bed at least 3 hours before their workday starts. Martha Stewart, the homemaking hero, for example, rises at about 4:30 a.m. to make sure her blog has been posted. Yes, the very first thing she focuses on is business.
Starting the day earlier gives you ample time to tackle personal to-dos, plan ahead, and make time for healthy habits like exercise or meditation.
3.Push Through Doubts And Fears
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Do you want to craft an iconic life? Listening to the doubts of others will be a surefire way to stop dreams in the making.
One of the most legendary examples of this habit is exemplified by J.K. Rowling, the creator of a young wizard with a courageous heart. She was a single mom who collected social benefit checks and was told, "You'll never make any money on children's books." She was rejected by 12 publishers and now, she's sold 400 million books and built a fortune of $800 million.
People can't predict your future so if you've decided to stop pursuing a goal or passion because someone said you wouldn't make it, that's not a rational reason to change direction.
4.Break Molds
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Like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, Lady Gaga also dropped out of college to take a risk and pursue her life-long dream of becoming a rock star. She told New York Magazine, "I left my entire family, got the cheapest apartment I could find and ate shit until somebody would listen."
College isn't for everyone nor is chasing the corporate ladder. You have to find what works for you and what motivates and excites you to get up in the morning.
5.Make Good Health Non-Negotiable
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Michelle Gass, the CEO of Kohl's, wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to go running—which she believes helps boost her happiness and business success. Anna Wintour, Vogue's editor-in-chief, wakes up every day pre-dawn and plays one hour of tennis at 6:45 a.m.!
Without good health, all the money in the world can't save you from failure. Your body is your first and only home, so supporting it well will return you with cheerfulness and exuberance to reach your professional and personal goals (whatever they may be!).
6.Daily Discipline
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"Ask any successful executive and they'll tell you they have created routines that stack up little habits each day. This helps them become more efficient and productive," says J.T. O'Donnell, the CEO and founder of Work It Daily. She finds that by simply creating a routine helps free her up mentally to focus on important things.
If you waste less time getting through your daily tasks with a disciplined routine, the more time you'll have to upskill and get ahead in your goals.
7.Develop Habits That Are Customized And Peculiar
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Take for example, Ben Franklin's air baths—yes, air baths where in a letter dated 1768, Franklin recommends sitting stark naked in front of an open window for 30 minutes each morning. He believed fresh air added to his good health.
Regardless of your habits, old and new, the best ones are the ones that fit your personality and bring you success. If an all-carrot diet doesn't work for you, don't do it because someone famous is. If you believe that you lack general knowledge, start reading more.
Extremes are never a good thing, so it's best to tailor routines and create habits that will help you reach your highest self.
We here at Work It Daily believe career success starts with making healthy choices that help you grow your career little by little every day. What habits will you pursue this year and how can we help?
Join our career growth club today and finally achieve the career success you've been waiting for!
