We live in a reality where we are expected to be able to do more with less. I have been in the retail industry for over 20 years and although expectations keep getting higher, hours and resources are being cut. It is the reality of the market. Why do two people put in the same environment perform differently? Why are some people able to adapt and achieve success while others burn out?
What can you do to achieve a high level of performance while maintaining a high level of energy?
In studying a large number of successful people, you begin to realise that they share a striking number of similar habits. No matter which industry or position they hold, they have similar reoccurring patterns of behavior. You know the saying, if you want to achieve success in a certain area, find out what people have done to achieve success in that area and emulate.
If you want help in catapulting yourself further towards achieving your goals and increasing your productivity, resolve to follow these 6 daily habits of successful people.
Get Enough Rest
This means different things for different people. Researchers claim that people need around 8 hours of sleep to function properly. However, there are a lot of examples of highly successful people who thrive despite getting 4-5 hours of sleep.
Marissa Mayer, Yahoo CEO gets by will only 5-6 hours of sleep.
Jay Leno, former host of the “Tonight Show” sleeps only 5 hours per night
Martha Stewart claims to sleep only 4 hours per night
These are only a few names upon many.
The key is to be able to listen to your body and understand its needs. When you wake up, do you feel refreshed? Or are you still groggy and ready to crawl back under the covers. How you feel when you wake up on a regular basis will determine whether your body received enough sleep?
If you don’t feel your best, you cannot expect the best out of you. Getting enough rest is one of the easiest things you can do to revitalize your mental clarity, passion and energy.
Develop a Morning Ritual that sets you up for Success
Develop a disciplined routine when you wake up, letting your mind focus on more important priorities for the rest of the day. Starting and maintaining an exercise program in the morning ensures you start your day with an injection of necessary energy. Working out your mind is just as important. Successful people start their day by reading business or personal development books, catching up on the news, or listening to an audiobook or podcast.
You can get more ideas from a recent post I wrote, “7 Simple Morning Routines that can Transform your Day”.
Know what you want to accomplish before the day ends
Successful people know exactly what their day will look like before it even starts. They have their goals and tasks mapped out in advance. Create a to-do list of what needs to be accomplished. Start your day by taking time to reflect on your priorities. What are the tasks that if accomplished, will make your day a success? What are the nonnegotiables for today?
A great habit of successful people is that they tackle the most difficult task first when their productivity and energy levels are still high. Once the big tasks are accomplished, the rest of the day looks easier.
Avoid the Speed Bumps
You can plan your day perfectly. You may know exactly what tasks you want to “check off”. Then, the day starts and all these distractions and urgencies keep popping up. According to Basex, a management science company, it’s estimated that distractions cost U.S. businesses $588 billion per year, a number that continues to grow.
How often does it happen that you are working on one task, only to get distracted by the ping notification of an incoming email? It is important to learn to ignore these distractions that divert your attention away from your task. If you are working on your priority activities for the day, learn to close your office door, your emails and put your phone away. If it is not urgent or important, it can wait. Even when something requires your immediate attention like a ringing phone, if it is not an urgent matter, it can be rescheduled for a later time.
Stop at the Checkpoint
Make sure that throughout the day you take some time to “check in” on your progress. Where do you stand on what you wanted to accomplish? Based on how your day is going, do you have to revisit some of your goals? Are there any unexpected events that you have to deal with?
Take time to Recharge
No matter how busy your day is. No matter what you need to accomplish, you need to take time to recharge. If you are at your desk, stand up, stretch or walk, even if it is just for 5-10 minutes. It will refresh your mind and allows your body to re-align after sitting.
I have spoken to countless people who constantly tell me that, “they don’t have time to take a break.” I reply that “they don’t have time not to”. The 5-10 minute break you take, will increase your productivity once you return. Often times taking a break from a problem, allows you to see the problem clearer.
What else could you be doing to reach your full potential and perform at an elite level?