Insider Strategies for Success: The Common Habits of High Achievers
By Linda Pliagas
Success is that magical place that combines perfection in both the physical and spiritual realms. Success leads to ultimate bliss. Some call it “success”, some say it’s “heaven on earth”, others name this exceptional feeling “nirvana” or being in “the zone.”
Regardless of the name, success can definitely be felt. It can be experienced for minutes, hours, days, years and even decades. Certainly success can be measured as well.
In fact, when one hears “success”, the first things that may come to mind are material objects: an ocean-view mansion, name-brand clothing, a luxurious private jet, a rare fine watch, the list goes on.
Most people envision these things as the ultimate “must-have” items of success. The ability to purchase whatever one wishes, whenever they wish, is certainly one measure of success.
Before I provide some strategies that I’ve observed in successful individuals, I’d like to share why I’m qualified to write about what success is and means.
As a journalist for the past 25 years, I’ve had the honor of interviewing numerous successful people in many industries. I began publishing magazines my junior year in college and began to interview people in high regard, such as best-selling author Brian Tracy, financial guru Suze Orman, fashion designer icon Oscar de la Renta, celebrated performer Jennifer Lopez, among others.
Fast forward to today… as the publisher of Realty411 and REI Wealth magazines I regularly speak with wonderful leaders. Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jason Oppenheim from the Netflix hit, Selling Sunset.
With our real estate conferences, we’ve also interviewed HGTV’s Good Bones. The mother and daughter team, Mina Starsiak Hawk and Karen E. Laine, also shared such wonderful insight.
During interviews with my sources, my goal as a professional journalist was always to ask poignant questions. I tried to make my sources comfortable so that they would reveal as much insight as possible to help our readers become successful.
How did they get to where they are now? Do they follow a regimen? Did they obtain special education? Do they have specialized knowledge? Can they share any insider secrets?
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One of the benefits of being a journalist is that one is exposed to a never-ending stream of knowledge, information that I also have implemented over the years. I’ve seen incredible accomplishments in my life from the application of just a few concepts. I’d like to share some of these with you so that you can also see some amazing results in your life as well.
Following is an outline on some of the concepts we will focus on in this chapter.
1. Have a Successful Schedule
2. Practice Pro-Success Habits
3. Create a Long-term Plan for Success
Let’s dive into some of these lessons I’ve learn along the way from some of the most successful people in and out of real estate.
1. Have a Daily Schedule to Maximize Performance
Every high-achiever I’ve ever met has a written daily plan in order to achieve maximum success. I’ve seen many different types of preferred schedules, including: a calendar synced to an email, a preferred online program, (such as Calendly.com), an Excel spreadsheet, and even a traditional notebook planner.
Regardless of format, having a daily plan for success gives individuals an edge. Little time for idleness exists when life is planned in advance. Having a routine is not only important for working adults, mothers, educators, and nurses alike all have set schedules for those in their care.
So I ask you what is your current daily schedule? Do you have one? Do you regularly miss important appointments? Are you late with work deadlines?
Before we go further, let’s examine your daily schedule. Is it one suited for success? Do you know what would a successful schedule look like?
Well, one of the wisest men of all time, Benjamin Franklin said: “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, happy, and wise.”
I follow the words of Benjamin Franklin, a great statesman, writer, scientist, inventor, diplomat, political philosopher, and publisher.
Many successful people I know have a morning routine that goes something like this:
They awake before dawn, pray or meditate, exercise, spend time with family, and then the daily hustle begins.
Writing down a daily schedule of tasks, as well as having a set calendar, are important guidelines for high achievers. Little room for mistakes exists when everything is written down. High achievers know that having a daily schedule will maximize performance.
Keep in mind that a successful person’s schedule allows room for a balanced lifestyle, which includes time for family and friends, self care, such as quiet “me” recharges, regular stretching and exercise, education and self-improvement, hobbies and fun, and time for spiritual reflection.
From all my interviews with successful people, I’ve come to realize that their daily schedules are all quite similar.
Remember: Planning for a life-time of success begins with planning a successful day ahead.
2. Practice Pro-Success Habits
Everyday habits are creating the life you are leading right now. If your goal is to increase your success, then it’s important to take accountability of your time. How is it spent?
John C. Maxwell, an author, speaker and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership, wrote: “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”
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With this in mind, it’s essential to fill your time with pro-success habits. Many books on successful habits have been written by numerous experts. While they may explain the success formula differently, it seems they all promote the same important habits.
From my research in reading on the topic, as well as in-person interviews with many successful people, it seems some of the habits they all share include:
1. Successful people rise early to seize the day
2. They exercise regularly to maximize functioning
3. Many of them spend time in daily prayer, meditation or quiet reflection
4. For high achievers, life-long learning is a top priority
5. Networking with influential people is important for them
6. Successful people spend time organizing their office, home, and life — in preparation for even greater success
7. Influential people recharge regularly by spending time with loved ones
8. They take MASSIVE action!
From the above points, we can see that the most successful of people are hard workers who take calculated risks and are rewarded for their efforts.
In my opinion, success is a way a life… it’s a journey, rather than a destination. By engaging in positive habits, you’ll position yourself for greatness every single day.
3. Create a Long-Term Plan for Success
Writing goals down on paper is an essential part of creating a successful business and life. Some people wait all year before they even contemplate their goals. And then, on New Year’s Eve, they reflect on what lies ahead. Some may write down their New Year’s resolutions, even then, some just don’t even bother to do it at all.
And yet people wonder why they’re stuck in the same old job year after year. The reality is if you’re not actively creating the life you want, your life will be reactive. It’s time to be pro-active and take charge to create the life you desire.
We touched upon creating a written daily schedule as well as engaging in pro-active successful habits. Now, let’s discuss designing a long-term plan in your ultimate life success playbook.
Writing down goals is something that high achievers do on a regular basis. When was the last time you wrote down your goals? It can be a list of your professional goals, personal goals or a combination of the two.
In addition to yearly goals, I also like to have a five-year plan and a 10-year plan as well. The task of writing down goals on paper makes it concrete, and begins to get everything started on the right track.
Many years ago, when I was cleaning out a portion of my desk, I came across a 10-year plan from my early twenties. Miraculously, most of the goals I had written down did in fact materialize in my life: meeting my husband, buying a home, traveling to Europe, having a family, becoming a successful journalist.
In fact, I surpassed my humble goals, which taught me to aim higher. I challenge you to create three different “goal plans”. First create a one-year plan, then a five=year plan, and lastly a 10-year plan. I promise you’ll start to see incredible things unfold in your life.
It’s time to set the course of your life on the path of success, too.
I hope these success strategies can help you and all of our readers create the life you want and deserve. I challenge you to continue in your quest for greatness by practicing proactive daily habits. Remember to keep learning and preparing for the incredible success that lies ahead.
Best regards,
Linda
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