It’s easy to look at the high achievers around us and think that they have some inherent trait – some genetic or biological advantage – that places them in a prime position to succeed. But the truth is that the ability to achieve greatness isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something that can be built and developed by adopting the right habits.
How do I know this? Because in my work as a coach and mentor, there are a set of common habits that I’ve identified in almost every high achiever I’ve met. And this shows that anyone can become a high achiever, just by building a new routine.
Here are the 5 habits that I believe all high achievers have in common:
1. Positive networking
High achievers are very rarely islands. Instead, they take measures to ensure that they’re always surrounded by like minded people who motivate them to keep moving forward. There’s a psychological phenomenon called ‘mirroring’, where we tend to mimic the behaviours of those around us in a subconscious effort to be liked. It’s natural, therefore, that those who surround themselves with people that lack motivation or innovation are less likely to achieve greatness than those who mimic the behaviours of high performers. Forming the right social networks can be key to your success.
2. Go-getting behaviours
High achievers aren’t passive; they don’t wait around for opportunities to fall into their laps. Instead, they’re go-getters, they’re proactive, they’re assertive, and they take action. Combined, these four factors create a pretty good description of your average high achiever: a risk taker. Consider this – everything that we’ve achieved in life so far has been the result of taking a risk, whether it’s taking a risk on selecting a college course, going to university, applying for a job, or anything else. There are no certainties in life. We don’t get anything unless we take risks, and high achievers know what to do.
3. A willingness to Learn
The term ‘high achiever’ is one that’s often misinterpreted. It’s often thought that a high achiever is someone that produces the most, but that’s not always the case. A person that produces the most will possess the skills and knowledge needed for productivity; a person that is a high achiever possesses the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a broader landscape. And so high achievers all typically have a desire and willingness to learn; to read, to explore, to perfect the act of self mastery. And most importantly, they have a desire for continuous learning, adapting as in-demand skills change.
4. A focus on self-care
I am a big believer in the idea that you can’t succeed as a high achiever if you don’t have the mental, physical, or emotional foundations on which to grow and develop. And so it’s not surprising that all of the high achievers I’ve met have shown a commitment to self-care. Staying healthy and active plays a big role in this, but it’s important not to overlook the connection between professional performance and emotional intelligence. Acknowledging, understanding, and controlling emotion is key to forming a strong foundation that can support you in your efforts to achieve more.
5. Pride and passion
The fifth habit that all high achievers have in common is that they all get excited about what they do; they have pride and passion in their work. Why is this important? Because a love of what you do naturally makes you more diligent and conscientious in your work; you strive to do well. In turn, this diligence makes you more aware and in tune with your situation, which allows you to set the right goals, and persevere when obstacles and challenges get in the way. High achievers haven’t arrived where they are by giving up; they’re motivated to find solutions through a love for what they do.
