10 habits of highly successful men who always make progress in life

Lucas Graham by Lucas Graham | October 11, 2024, 9:08 pm

There’s a vast distinction between those who merely exist and those who continuously progress.

The difference boils down to habits. Highly successful men have certain habits that keep them always advancing, always succeeding, while others might be stuck in a rut.

These successful men don’t have some secret recipe; they just know how to make the most of their 24 hours each day.

And believe me, there are some particular habits that these men swear by.

In this article, I’ll share with you the top 10 habits of highly successful men who never stop progressing in life.

Trust me; it’s not as hard as you think.

1) They are early risers

There’s something about the quiet hours of the morning that highly successful men seem to be drawn to.

The concept of waking up early might sound simple, even trivial, but don’t be fooled.

It’s a habit shared by many who consistently make progress in life.

Think about it: the early morning offers a peaceful, uninterrupted time to plan, reflect, and get a head start on the day.

It’s like stealing a couple of extra hours from the universe.

Successful men understand the power of this time.

They use it to read, exercise, strategize or simply prepare for the day ahead.

So, if you’re serious about making progress in life, consider setting your alarm clock a little earlier.

But remember, it’s not just about waking up; it’s what you do with that extra time that matters.

2) They embrace failure

No one likes to fail, but successful men understand that failure is part of the journey to success.

Rather than avoiding failure, they embrace it.

They see it as an opportunity to learn, grow and improve.

They don’t let their failures define them; instead, they use them as stepping stones to reach greater heights.

Most people see failure as the end of the road, a sign that they’re not cut out for success.

But successful men see failure differently – they see it as a detour, not a dead end.

Every failure brings with it a valuable lesson.

If you’re not failing from time to time, you’re likely not pushing your boundaries and stepping out of your comfort zone.

So, when you do fail, don’t beat yourself up about it. Learn from it, pick yourself up and keep moving forward. Even in failure, there’s progress.

3) They prioritize self-improvement

Successful men are often seen as the epitome of perfection, but the truth is, they’re far from it.

They are, however, relentless in their pursuit of self-improvement.

They understand that to reach their goals and to continuously progress in life, they must constantly evolve and better themselves.

Whether it’s learning a new skill, reading a book, attending a seminar, or seeking feedback – successful men are always on the lookout for opportunities to learn and grow.

They believe that there’s always room for improvement and that every day offers a chance to become a better version of themselves.

Remember, success is not a destination, it’s a journey. And on this journey, continuous self-improvement is your greatest ally.

So, step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself and strive to be 1% better than you were yesterday.

This is the path to sustained progress and success.

4) They prioritize health

You might be surprised by this one, but the truth is, successful men always make their health a priority.

They understand that a healthy body is the foundation for any lasting success and progress in life.

Whether it’s regular exercise, a balanced diet, or making sure to get enough sleep – these men know that caring for their physical well-being is crucial.

After all, you can’t perform at your best if you’re not feeling your best.

If you want to make consistent progress in life, don’t neglect your health.

Remember, it’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Make time for exercise, eat well, and ensure you’re getting enough rest.

Your body will thank you, and so will your productivity levels.

5) They set clear goals

One thing that sets apart highly successful men who consistently progress in life is their habit of setting clear and specific goals.

They know where they want to go, and they map out a plan to get there.

Successful men don’t just wish for success, they plan for it.

They have a clear vision of where they want to be and they set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to get there.

These goals serve as a roadmap, guiding them in their daily actions and decisions.

A goal is more than just a dream, it’s a commitment to an outcome. 

Successful men know exactly what success looks like for them – whether it’s starting their own business, becoming a top executive in their company, or achieving financial independence.

Successful men don’t leave their progress to chance.

They set their sights on what they want to achieve and then break it down into manageable steps.

Setting clear and specific goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.

If you’re not setting goals, you’re likely running on a treadmill – exerting effort but not really moving forward. 

So if you’re serious about making progress in life, start setting clear, achievable goals and give your dreams a deadline.

Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish. It’s time to stop wishing and start planning.

6) They cultivate gratitude

Sometimes, it’s easy to get so caught up in striving for success and making progress that we forget to appreciate what we already have.

But highly successful men understand the power of gratitude.

Gratitude isn’t just about being thankful for what you have; it’s also about recognizing the people who support you and the opportunities that come your way.

Cultivating a habit of gratitude keeps you grounded, helps you maintain perspective, and fosters positivity.

It’s about recognizing the good in every situation, even when things aren’t going as planned.

So take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for.

It’s a small habit that can make a big difference in your overall outlook on life and your progress towards success.

7) They cultivate a positive mindset

Life is full of ups and downs, but successful men understand the power of maintaining a positive mindset, even in the face of adversity.

Instead of dwelling on problems, they focus on solutions.

They don’t let setbacks discourage them, but use them as fuel to push harder.

They see challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth.

A positive mindset is more than just thinking happy thoughts.

It’s about having the resilience to remain optimistic when things go wrong and the perseverance to keep pushing towards your goals, no matter what.

Remember, your mindset is a powerful tool.

It can either be your greatest ally or your worst enemy.

So, cultivate a positive mindset and watch how it propels you towards success.

8) They embrace discomfort

Progress and comfort don’t usually go hand in hand.

Successful men understand this.

They know that to make significant strides in life, they must be willing to step out of their comfort zones.

Whether it’s taking on a challenging project, learning a new skill, or making a risky business move, these men aren’t afraid to embrace discomfort.

They see it as an opportunity for growth, not something to be avoided.

So if you want to make consistent progress in life, start embracing discomfort.

It might be scary at first, but remember, on the other side of fear is growth.

Don’t let your comfort zone hold you back from achieving your full potential.

9) They know when to say ‘no’

Success often seems synonymous with saying ‘yes’ to every opportunity that comes your way.

However, successful men understand that sometimes, progress means knowing when to say ‘no’.

They realize that time is their most valuable asset, and they cannot afford to spread themselves too thin.

They are selective about the commitments they take on and are not afraid to turn down opportunities that don’t align with their goals or values.

Saying ‘yes’ to everything can lead to burnout and distract you from your true objectives.

By contrast, saying ‘no’ allows you to stay focused on your priorities and ensures you have the time and energy to excel at what truly matters.

Remember, every time you say ‘yes’ to something, you’re saying ‘no’ to something else.

So, learn to say ‘no’ without guilt. It’s not a rejection, but a necessary choice for your personal growth and success.

10) They are persistent

If there’s one thing you should know about highly successful men who make consistent progress in life, it’s this: they never give up.

These men understand that success is not an overnight journey. It requires dedication, resilience, and, most importantly, persistence.

They know that setbacks are inevitable, but giving up is not an option.

So remember, no matter how tough the journey gets, keep going.

Your persistence is your most potent weapon in the pursuit of success and progress.

Final thought: The power of habits

Many people chase after success, thinking it’s about reaching a certain status, acquiring wealth or attaining power.

But those who truly make progress in life understand that success is more about the journey than the destination.

It’s about becoming the best version of oneself and making a positive impact on the world.

They realize that success isn’t an overnight phenomenon.

It doesn’t come from luck or chance, but from consistent effort, determination and resilience.

When it comes to the journey of success and consistent progress, it’s not always about grand gestures or monumental decisions.

It’s often about the small, daily habits that we cultivate and commit to.

As Will Durant once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

These habits that highly successful men practice are not exclusive to them. They are accessible and achievable for anyone willing to adopt them.

From rising early and setting clear goals to embracing failures and persisting through adversity – these habits form the blueprint for continual progress and success.

So as you reflect on your own journey towards success, consider these habits. Which of them do you already practice? Which ones could you adopt?

Remember, success is a process, a journey – one that’s often shaped by the habits we choose to embrace.