There’s a profound difference between living a life by chance and living it by choice.

Success, it turns out, isn’t a matter of luck. It’s about making the right choices and developing habits that lead to success.

Psychology, my friends, has shed some light on this aspect. It has pinpointed certain daily habits that are common among highly successful individuals.

In this piece, I’ll share nine of these habits with you. These aren’t mere opinions; they are backed by science and can be your roadmap to success.

Trust me, it’s a journey worth taking!

1) Early risers

It’s not just an old wives’ tale; the saying “the early bird catches the worm” holds more truth than you may think.

A crucial part of the daily routine for many successful people is rising early.

Why, you ask? I’ll tell you why.

Psychology research has suggested that early risers, or “larks” as they are sometimes referred to, are generally more proactive than their counterparts who sleep in. They tend to be more optimistic, conscientious, and better at anticipating and solving problems.

And let’s not forget about all the uninterrupted time that you get when you rise before everyone else! It’s like having a head start in a race.

So if you’re aiming for success, it’s time to set that alarm clock a bit earlier. Don’t groan just yet; it’ll be worth it, I promise!

2) Goal setting

Alright, let’s head straight into the next habit, shall we? It’s something I personally swear by – setting goals.

I’ve found that successful people don’t just have dreams, they have solid, realistic goals. And setting those goals isn’t a once-in-a-blue-moon activity for them; it’s a daily habit.

You see, a few years ago, I was feeling a little lost in my career. I knew I wanted to move forward, but didn’t know how.

Then, I started setting daily, weekly, and long-term goals for myself. It was like a lightbulb moment. Suddenly, I had a clear path ahead of me. Those goals gave me something to aim for and kept me focused.

And guess what? Psychology backs this up too.

According to research, setting specific and challenging goals leads to higher performance 90 percent of the time. The key is to make sure your goals are precise and achievable – not vague or unrealistic.

So, take it from me and the psychologists: goal setting can be a game-changer.

3) Consistent learning

Let’s talk about another habit that sets successful people apart: consistent learning.

The world is changing at a breakneck speed, and those who fail to keep up will be left behind. Successful people understand this and make a conscious effort to learn something new every single day.

Investing time in reading books, attending seminars, or even listening to podcasts can be a great way to expand your knowledge base.

Interestingly, billionaire Warren Buffet estimates that he spends 80% of his day reading. He attributes much of his success to his insatiable appetite for knowledge.

And psychology supports this habit too. Lifelong learning has been linked to higher cognitive function and delayed cognitive aging.

So, if you want to join the ranks of the highly successful, never stop learning.

4) Physical exercise

You might be wondering, “What does exercise have to do with success?” Well, more than you might think.

Successful people understand the importance of a healthy body. Regular physical exercise is a staple in their daily routine, and for good reason.

Physical exercise isn’t just about maintaining a good physique. It also keeps your brain healthy. It enhances your memory, improves concentration, and boosts mental sharpness.

And it’s not just about hitting the gym and lifting weights. Anything that gets your heart rate up counts—be it walking, running, swimming, or cycling.

If you’re serious about success, make sure to carve out some time for physical activity in your daily schedule. Your body and brain will thank you!

5) Mindfulness and meditation

This might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think about success, but hear me out.

Successful people often practice mindfulness or meditation. It’s a daily habit that helps them stay focused, manage stress, and maintain a positive outlook on life.

Meditation has been shown to lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. It also enhances emotional wellbeing and improves attention span.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of the present moment. But by practicing mindfulness or meditation, you can train yourself to stay present and focused.

So, if you’re looking to elevate your success, consider incorporating mindfulness or meditation into your daily routine. It might just be the secret ingredient you’re missing.

6) Gratitude

Let’s take a moment to talk about something that’s close to my heart: gratitude.

You see, successful people don’t just focus on achieving more; they also appreciate what they already have. They cultivate a habit of gratitude.

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”. It’s about acknowledging the good in your life and recognizing that the source of that goodness is often outside of yourself.

And psychology backs this up. Studies have shown that gratitude can lead to greater happiness, foster resilience, and even improve health.

But let’s be real. It’s easy to forget to be grateful, especially when times are tough. That’s why it’s important to make it a daily habit.

Whether you choose to write in a gratitude journal or take a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for, cultivating gratitude can make a big difference. Not just in your journey towards success, but also in your overall wellbeing.

7) Embracing failure

Here’s something that might surprise you: successful people fail. And they fail often.

But the difference lies in how they perceive failure. Instead of seeing it as a setback, they view it as an opportunity for growth.

I’ll be honest, this wasn’t an easy lesson for me to learn. I used to be terrified of failure. Every time I faced a setback, I’d beat myself up about it.

But over time, I realized that failure is just part of the journey to success. It’s not about how many times you fall; it’s about how many times you get back up.

And psychology agrees with this. Research shows that embracing failure and learning from it can lead to greater personal growth and ultimately, greater success.

So don’t be afraid to fail. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep moving forward. Because success is not a straight line; it’s a winding road filled with ups and downs.

8) Time management

When it comes to success, time is of the essence.

Successful people understand the value of time and hence, are masters at managing it. They prioritize their tasks, set a schedule, and stick to it.

They know that time wasted can never be regained. Therefore, they make every minute count.

And here’s what psychology says: effective time management not only increases productivity but also reduces stress and improves overall life satisfaction.

So, if you want to achieve success, start by taking control of your time. Prioritize your tasks, avoid procrastination, and make sure to allocate some time for relaxation as well.

Remember, it’s not about being busy; it’s about being productive.

9) Constant self-improvement

The most successful people are those who never stop improving themselves.

They constantly seek to better themselves, be it in their personal or professional lives. They’re always on the lookout for new skills to learn, new knowledge to gain, and new ways to grow.

And here’s the thing: psychology supports this. Studies show that a commitment to self-improvement can lead to higher levels of happiness and satisfaction.

So, if you’re serious about success, don’t settle for who you are today. Strive for who you could be tomorrow. Because the journey to success is not about reaching a destination; it’s about constant growth and improvement.