Achieving extraordinary things isn’t just about luck or natural talent. It’s about following certain principles in life.

These principles, followed by many successful people, create a roadmap to greatness. They won’t necessarily make the journey easy, but they make it possible.

In this article, I’ll share with you the 8 life principles that extraordinary achievers live by. These aren’t quick fixes or shortcuts, but guides that can help you navigate your path to success.

So, if you’re ready to step up and start achieving the extraordinary, keep reading.

1) Embrace failure

Extraordinary achievers understand that failure is not the end, rather it’s the beginning of a new learning curve.

Failure scares many, but successful people look at it differently. They see it as an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to improve. They know that every setback brings them one step closer to their goal.

Take Thomas Edison for example. He made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked, “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”

The principle here is clear – embrace failure as a stepping stone towards success.

But remember, this isn’t about glorifying failure or making reckless decisions. It’s about taking calculated risks and learning from the outcomes. Because let’s face it – no one hits a home run in their first at-bat.

2) Consistency is key

I’ve always believed that consistency is one of the most crucial principles for achieving extraordinary things. It’s not about sporadic bursts of effort, but rather about steady, consistent progress.

I remember when I decided to write my first book. I was excited, motivated, and ready to dive in. But as the days turned into weeks, I realized that writing a book wasn’t a sprint but a marathon.

The initial excitement waned, and the task seemed daunting. That’s when I understood that in order to reach my goal, I needed to be consistent.

So, I made a commitment to write every single day. Whether it was for an hour or just fifteen minutes didn’t matter – what mattered was being consistent.

And guess what? After many months of daily writing, my first draft was finally complete.

The lesson here? Small, consistent steps can lead to massive results over time. So whatever your goal may be, remember to show up every day and take one step at a time towards it.

3) Get comfortable with discomfort

Achieving greatness often means venturing into uncharted territories, pushing boundaries, and getting comfortable with discomfort.

Did you know that the human brain is wired to avoid discomfort? It’s a survival mechanism designed to keep us safe. But extraordinary achievers understand that growth often happens outside of comfort zones.

Take the training regimen of elite athletes as an example. They continually push their bodies to the limit, endure rigorous training schedules, face intense competition, and often deal with injuries. All these involve a high level of discomfort. But they do it because they know that’s how they get better, stronger, and faster.

In the pursuit of extraordinary achievements, discomfort is not just inevitable, it’s necessary. So the next time you find yourself avoiding a difficult task or challenge, remember that it’s an opportunity for growth. Embrace it!

4) Cultivate resilience

Life is filled with twists and turns, ups and downs. And let’s be honest, the road to extraordinary achievement is not always smooth. That’s where resilience comes into play.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, to keep going when things get tough. It’s about having an unwavering belief in your abilities even when faced with obstacles.

Consider J.K. Rowling, the famous author of the Harry Potter series. Before her success, she faced numerous rejections from publishers. But she didn’t let that stop her. She remained resilient, kept pushing, and eventually became one of the most successful authors of all time.

So if you want to achieve extraordinary things, cultivate resilience. Remember, it’s not about how many times you fall down, but how many times you get back up and keep going.

5) Practice gratitude

In the quest for achieving extraordinary things, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s next, what’s more, what’s bigger. But it’s equally important to pause and appreciate what we already have.

Gratitude is a powerful practice that can transform your perspective and your life. It helps you see the good in every situation, no matter how small or big.

I’ve seen people who have achieved great things and yet are unhappy because they’re always focused on the next milestone. On the other hand, I’ve met people who might not have achieved as much on the surface, but exude an infectious joy and contentment because they practice gratitude.

Expressing gratitude doesn’t mean you become complacent or stop striving for more. It means acknowledging your journey so far, cherishing your accomplishments, and appreciating the people who’ve helped you along the way.

It’s a reminder that while you strive for extraordinary things, don’t forget to enjoy the extraordinary moments that life offers every day.

6) Embrace change

Change is a part of life. It’s constant, it’s inevitable, and sometimes, it’s downright terrifying. But to achieve extraordinary things, one must not only accept change but also embrace it.

I remember a time in my life when I was faced with a monumental change. A career shift that demanded me to leave behind what I knew and step into the unknown. It was scary, and there were moments of self-doubt and insecurity.

But I also knew that sticking to the familiar would only lead to stagnation. To grow, to evolve, and to reach new heights, I had to embrace this change. And you know what? That decision turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever made.

Change can be a catalyst for growth. It pushes you from your comfort zone, challenges you in new ways, and gives you the opportunity to explore uncharted territories. So when change knocks on your door, welcome it with open arms.

7) Practice self-care

Achieving extraordinary things requires extraordinary effort, and that can take a toll on your health, both mental and physical. That’s why it’s crucial to incorporate self-care into your lifestyle.

Self-care is not just about spa days or vacations. It’s about taking care of your physical health through regular exercise and a balanced diet. It’s about managing stress, getting enough sleep, and taking steps to maintain your mental health.

Think of it as fuel for your journey towards extraordinary achievements. You wouldn’t embark on a long journey without filling up your car with gas, right? In the same way, you can’t achieve great things if you’re running on empty.

So, make self-care a priority. Your mind and body will thank you, and you’ll be better equipped to handle the demands of your journey to success.

8) Believe in yourself

At the end of the day, the most important principle that extraordinary achievers live by is self-belief. They believe in their abilities, their dreams, and their potential to achieve greatness.

Believing in yourself is the foundation of all extraordinary achievements. It’s the driving force that propels you forward despite challenges and setbacks. It’s what keeps you going when others doubt you or when things don’t go as planned.

So, believe in yourself. Believe in your vision. Believe that you have what it takes to achieve extraordinary things. Because if you don’t believe in yourself, who will?

Final thought: It’s a journey

As we navigate through the intricacies of life, seeking to achieve extraordinary things, it’s essential to remember that it is indeed a journey.

These eight principles are not a magic formula for instant success. Instead, they serve as guideposts on your path towards greatness. They are the compass that keeps you moving in the right direction, even when the terrain gets tough.

Consider the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Life is a journey, not a destination.” The same applies to achieving extraordinary things. The real value lies in the process, the growth, and the person you become along the way.

So, as you embark on this journey, remember these principles. Embrace failure, stay consistent, get comfortable with discomfort, cultivate resilience, practice gratitude, embrace change, care for yourself, and above all – believe in yourself.

Because at the end of the day, your journey towards achieving extraordinary things is a testament to your strength, your determination, and your unwavering belief in your potential. Keep moving forward, one step at a time.