22 Habits of High Achievers

Greatness is seldom the result of good luck. Strong leaders appreciate hard work and the benefits of a routine when striving for success. High achievers play to their strengths and follow their passions.

Want to be a top producer? Here are some habits that many high achievers have in common:

1. They have a vision. Whether you want to change the world or just be the best you can be, having a vision for your future — knowing what success looks like for you — is critical. Where do you see yourself in five years and what will it take to get there?
2. They’re committed. Once the vision is clear, high achievers commit. They know their commitment will be tested time and again. When an obstacle arises, a high achiever recommits.
3. They’re disciplined. Determination and self-discipline go hand in hand. Cultivating good habits takes a concentrated effort and an honest appraisal of strengths and weaknesses. Self-control is the key, both professionally and personally, if you are to realize your long term vision of success.
4. They focus. A successful individual recognizes and works to eliminate the many distractions that could get in the way of reaching their goals. They find a routine that works for them and they stick to it.
5. They prioritize positivity. A “can do” attitude is essential when it comes to strengthening commitment. Affirmation is inspiring and motivating. An upbeat optimistic attitude not only helps in difficult times, but it can also become a self-fulfilling prophecy of success.
6. They try to be consistent. Habits require consistent behavior. Consistency is the result of discipline, focus, and commitment. Consistent habits and behavior help strong leaders to roll with the punches. Consistent habits establish trust and accountability. It shows they can be relied upon and responsible for the work they do.
7. They’re persistent. Obstacles are challenges to be overcome. Persistence is following through until the goal is reached or the job is done.
8. They’re attentive. Being aware and acknowledging the needs of customers and teammates is a critical component to achieving success. Being attentive means listening carefully, empathizing, and having the ability to successfully mediate and problem solve.
9. They focus on building relationships. High achievers appreciate the importance of building strong professional and personal relationships. We are social animals. Our interactions with others provide insight and context in work and social situations. A strong relationship with friends and colleagues is a bond built enabling a positive and productive give and take.
10. They’re team players. Grounded individuals know that there are very few things they can accomplish entirely on their own. They are willing to listen and are open-minded when it comes to input from others. They tap into the unique talents of the team and recognize and reward those contributing.
11. They set reasonable goals. Setting achievable goals requires the ability to reconcile short-term tactics with a long-term strategy. High achievers set goals that are attainable, recognizing that success is a process and the result of many small achievements.
12. They’re action-oriented. It’s not what you say, but what you do. Actions speak louder than words. So, say no more. Do.
13. They’re process-oriented. A high achiever sees the importance of process when it comes to understanding and improving everything, from personal work habits to delivering quality customer-focused service.
14. They’re willing to take risks. From time-to-time it becomes necessary to take a calculated risk in order to move forward. A high achiever will consider all the various outcomes, consult with subject matter experts and other critical stakeholders, to determine whether a risk is worth taking.
15. They learn from mistakes. Strong leaders recognize the value of mistakes. Mistakes are learning opportunities. They force the high achiever to reexamine processes and goals in order to understand the impact and ensure the same mistake isn’t made twice.
16. They constantly review priorities. High achievers and strong leaders maintain a to-do list religiously. Circumstances constantly change. Flexibility is required when it comes to reevaluating and reordering priorities.
17. They use their time effectively. In addition to reprioritizing, the high achiever plans their day’s activities to maximize efficiencies and accomplish daily goals.
18. They don’t micromanage. A good leader knows the importance of delegating work. Trusting others to do the work builds confidence in the team overall.
19. The live a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of yourself is important if you want to be successful. Good eating habits, daily exercise, meditation, and a good night’s sleep provide the energy needed to maintain focus.
20. They appreciate the importance of downtime. High achievers work smart. A healthy personal life requires a balance between home and office. Downtime refreshes and is an opportunity to get a change of perspective and explore new ideas.
21. They stay on top of the market. High achievers know what the competition is doing. They keep abreast of trends and innovations in their industry.
22. They believe in self-improvement. A true high achiever is humble enough to recognize there’s always more to learn. In addition to reading, personal interactions with others in the field is important for both personal and professional growth. A high achiever not only believes in self-improvement, but they also encourage others to do the same.