Everyone wants to be successful, but for most of us, that label won’t fall into our laps. Becoming successful in any industry happens by design. Reaching that highest potential requires a clear plan and a few specific habits. Here are the 12 habits most high achievers possess:
The 12 Habits of Highly Successful Professionals
1. Strong values
Holding strong values is foundational to success. Values provide a guide stone for your behavior and decisions to help keep you on the track to success and provide support in difficult moments.
Before beginning your journey to success, write down your core values. Carry these values with you and lean on them as you work towards your goals.
2. Planning
The most successful people are goal-oriented and have a thorough plan to reach that destination. The perfect path to your goal likely isn’t going to be laid out right in front of you. It will take thought, planning, and time to reach the end, but knowing the correct paths to reach your destination is essential to success.
Plan your goals, and look at what stops you need to take on the way there. Look at the potential roadblocks and note alternatives you can take should you encounter them. Having a plan is an excellent foundation for success, but not all plans go according to plan, which is why it is essential to be adaptable.
3. Adaptability
Life changes quickly, the path to success that you planned five years ago may not be the best method anymore, or maybe the goal has shifted. Whatever the situation, being able to roll with the punches and adjust to the next move quickly is key to performing well.
When change occurs, the ones who sit and worry about what will happen next are never the highest achievers. It’s the people who jump into action and work with the changes that lead the pack.
4. Action-oriented
Whether it’s in a moment of change where you need to be ready to take action to adapt or it’s just any other day, the most successful people are always taking that next step. Creating plans and setting goals is important, but without action, that goal means nothing.
We often consider highly successful people to be big risk-takers because even if the idea seems outlandish, they are willing to jump in and get started. Successful people don’t leave potential on the table. They act quickly and purposefully. Even if they aren’t always fully prepared to take that next step because often, you’ll never feel completely prepared.
5. Organization
One of the most frequently mentioned habits of high achievers is organization. The path to success requires managing many things at once, and being able to carefully manage all aspects of your journey to success is essential.
While organization looks different to everyone, things like a daily to-do list or taking time on Sunday or Monday to prepare for the week ahead are easy ways to stay on top of what needs to be done.
6. Networking
Highly successful professionals know the value of a strong network. With good connections come valuable collaboration, knowledge, opportunities, and more. According to author Thomas Corley, 79% of successful entrepreneurs spend five or more hours a month on networking.
Whether you’re networking as an entrepreneur, at a virtual networking event, or learning to network for your business, boosting your networking skills is essential. Gaining new connections and strengthening those relationships is integral to success.
One critical tool for networking is business cards. Ensure your business cards are updated with the most modern technology: digital business cards. Create a more interactive business card that you can share with anyone, anywhere, any time, even if they don’t have the app. All while it keeps your new connections organized in a smart address book. Our top pick is HiHello, the leading business card app for individuals and businesses. Make your card for free today.
7. Communication
Successful professionals don’t work in a silo. There will always be collaboration and connections to be made, and how you handle them could propel you faster toward your goal. One thing that made Steve Jobs so successful was his excellent communication skills.
Learning to become a better communicator is a crucial step to success. Learn how to communicate effectively, overcome communication barriers, and focus on active listening and interpersonal skills to boost your career.
8. Frugality
When looking at the wealthiest people, one common habit is frugality. Billionaires aren’t out shopping for luxury goods. They’re committed to saving, maintaining a budget, and keeping spending low.
Successful people aren’t just frugal until they get rich, though they continue to stay frugal for their entire lives, always living below their means. Even Bill Gates still wears a $10 watch, while Jeff Bezos drove a Honda Accord well after becoming a billionaire.
9. Lifelong learning
If you ask Warren Buffet or Bill Gates about the key to success, they’ll tell you to read. Because knowledge is the gateway to success, and reading is one of the best ways to gain knowledge.
The world is constantly changing, and the most successful people are always at the forefront of innovation because they never stop learning. Commit to lifelong learning. Whether through reading, taking continuing education courses, or following industry trends on social media.
10. Humility
Humility is about recognizing your strengths while also knowing your weaknesses and being willing to learn. The most successful people in the world know that they didn’t become so successful entirely on their own.
Be willing to accept your faults, learn from them, be grateful for your wins but don’t expect them, and most importantly, learn to extend compassion to others.
11. Self-discipline
Often people wait for motivation to come before starting a project, but motivation rarely strikes. The most successful people in the world don't wait for motivation to happen, they possess incredible amounts of self-discipline.
Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work for days, months, and years. At times it will feel overwhelming and might seem easier to take a break or slow down. However, learning to stay disciplined, even in those difficult times, is an essential habit of high achievers.
12. Self-reflection
Take a moment for reflection and remove yourself from your hectic everyday routine. Take note of what is working in your life and what isn’t. Reassess your goals and the path you are taking to get there. Is this the right plan? Are there adjustments that need to be made?
As serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk said, “accept your shortcomings, and strive to become more conscious of who you really are.” Becoming conscious of yourself and learning to accept your shortcomings and work around them is something that every high achiever should do. Take time to reflect on your professional success, personal success, and mental health. The road to success is often long, and pushing through can lead to burnout and failure. Knowing when to take breaks before things get too overwhelming is a skill everyone should master.
The path to success isn’t always easy, and changes can appear in a matter of moments, but possessing these 12 skills, is the foundation to reach your goals in the face of adversity.
Do you think we missed any skills? Did you find this article helpful? Let us know!
