Increasingly, professionals know that success does not have to come from long nights; cut-throat competition; intense daily grinds; or massive sacrifices to their health, sleep or family. There was a shift toward positive psychology in the 1990s, and in my work, I can see the benefits of this shift. More people are embracing wellness – and not simply as an add-on. They are embracing it as a core ingredient in their success.
My entire practice is with successful, driven leaders who are curious to find their leading edge. But many people are currently experiencing heightened stress. Indeed, according to a 2017 American Psychology Association study, 75 percent of adults report moderate to high levels of stress, and close to half report that their stress has increased in the past year.
Despite rising stress, especially at work, I continue to encounter clients who are eager to better understand themselves, what makes them tick and how to perform at their peak. Working with exceptional leaders has also given me great insight into what makes people thrive and continue to thrive over time. One of the things I’ve noticed is that building habits for success is part of the formula to succeed now and in the future. Here are five key habits for success.
Prepare
We have all heard the mantras: “Measure twice, cut once.” “A stitch in time saves nine.” They have never been as true as they are in our wired and always-on world. Many professionals face similar challenges: They face more demands but have less time and fewer resources. Preparation is one way to short-circuit potential problems down the line. In short, know what you’re facing and prepare well in advance. The sooner you have a line of sight on future obstacles, the more likely you will be to effectively dodge any pending obstacles.
Clarify Outcomes
When you are clear on the outcomes, you can be creative and flexible on the approach. This habit is simple and effective. When I wake up, I have a clear line of sight on what I must accomplish during the day. How I get it done is a different story. Depending on what happens over the course of the day, I may delegate more work than I had originally anticipated. I may also drop a task that is less urgent to focus on a high-priority outcome. By staying clear on the outcomes, however, I can make smart decisions about prioritizing tasks and ensure that at the end of day, whatever happens, I’ve accomplished my desired goals.
Take Risks
After thousands of hours coaching successful leaders, I have discovered that individuals who get in the habit of taking risks early are better positioned to keep taking risks throughout their lives. More importantly, these individuals have the capacity to pick up the pieces if and when they stumble or fail. Simply put, over time, risk-taking behaviors build resilience, and resilience is a core quality of every leader I meet.
Ask the Right Questions
The older I am, the more I realize what I don’t already know, and the more I appreciate the power of great questions. What do you need to know? What are the questions you should be asking? Who are the experts you should be asking? Knowing how to ask great questions has helped me more effectively manage my work, life and health on numerous occasions. Knowing who to ask has ensured that I receive the right type of answers.
Nurture Strategic Relationships
A key to success is having a great team. Assemble a team that has your back and possesses the knowledge, skills and competencies required to support you and your goals. Don’t be afraid to work with people who have competencies you don’t possess. In addition, seek out strong mentors. Remember, you may need more than one. Different mentors can offer different types of support.
Success takes many forms, but it is rarely something that simply lands in your lap. The habits you form will help you now and in the future.
Editor’s note: The American Psychological Association research was updated after publication to indicate the year it was produced.
