People who level up in life often display these 7 daily behaviors, according to psychology

Farley Ledgerwood by Farley Ledgerwood | March 23, 2025, 11:57 am

Life’s a game, and some people just seem to know the cheat codes. They’re constantly leveling up, reaching new heights, and achieving their goals. But how do they do it?

According to psychology, it’s not just about luck or talent. These high-achievers often share a set of daily behaviors that propel them forward.

In this article, we’ll explore the seven habits these individuals practice on the regular.

It doesn’t take a PhD to figure out; these are simple behaviors, accessible to us all. And who knows? Incorporate them into your routine and maybe you’ll start leveling up too.

Now, let’s delve into these seven behaviors that can make a big difference in our lives.

1) Embrace change

Those who level up in life have one thing in common – they’re not afraid of change. In fact, they embrace it.

It’s easy to stick with what we know, to stay in our comfort zones. But those who really succeed, who keep leveling up, they push boundaries. They’re constantly adapting, learning, and growing.

Famous psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” This quote encapsulates the essence of this behavior perfectly.

Change is inevitable. It’s a part of life. But successful people don’t just accept change, they actively seek it out. They understand that with change comes growth, and with growth comes progress.

So if you’re looking to level up too, start by embracing change. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but that discomfort is a sign of growth. And remember, it’s through growth that we level up in life.

2) Practice gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool, and it’s one that I’ve personally found to be transformative in my journey.

Years ago, I found myself constantly chasing after the next best thing. Whether it was a new job, a new car, or even a new city, I was always looking for the next big thing that would make me happy.

But it never did. It wasn’t until I started practicing gratitude that I realized happiness isn’t about what we have, but about appreciating what we already do.

Gratitude has the power to shift our perspective and help us see the silver linings in life. It helps us focus on what we have instead of what we lack. And it’s this shift in perspective that can help us level up in life.

So try it. Start each day by jotting down three things you’re grateful for. It doesn’t have to be monumental; sometimes, the smallest things can make the biggest impact. And who knows? You may just find yourself leveling up too.

3) Genuine self-reflection

Ever found yourself repeating the same mistakes, stuck in an endless loop of bad decisions? I know I have.

The truth is, we all make mistakes. But those who level up in life don’t just acknowledge their mistakes; they learn from them.

They take time for genuine self-reflection, to understand why they made the wrong choices and how to make better ones in the future.

The key to breaking free from our own destructive patterns lies in understanding ourselves on a deeper level.

Self-reflection can be tough. It requires us to face our flaws and weaknesses head-on. But it’s only through this raw and honest self-assessment that we can truly grow and level up.

So, don’t be afraid to look inward. You might just find the answers you’ve been searching for.

4) Cultivate resilience

Life is full of ups and downs. But it’s not the hardships we face, but how we respond to them, that defines us.

Those who level up in life are resilient. They understand that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone on the path to success.

A study conducted by psychologist Angela Duckworth found that grit – a combination of passion and perseverance – was a bigger predictor of success than IQ or talent.

Those who demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, who keep going when things get tough, are more likely to achieve their goals.

Resilience is not something we’re born with; it’s a skill we develop. And the key to developing this skill lies in our mindset.

Those who view difficulties as opportunities for growth, rather than insurmountable obstacles, are more likely to bounce back from setbacks.

5) Maintain a positive attitude

It might sound cliché, but maintaining a positive attitude genuinely makes a difference. I’ve seen it in my own life. When I focus on the good, I feel more motivated and productive, and things just seem to fall into place.

But it’s more than just “thinking happy thoughts”. It’s about believing in yourself, trusting your abilities, and staying hopeful despite the challenges that come your way.

A positive attitude doesn’t mean ignoring life’s problems. On the contrary, it means tackling them head-on with optimism and determination.

6) Embrace vulnerability

Here’s a counterintuitive idea: embracing vulnerability can actually make us stronger.

It’s easy to think that those who level up in life are invincible, free from self-doubt or fear.

But the truth is, they’re human just like the rest of us. They feel fear, they doubt themselves, and they make mistakes. But instead of hiding these vulnerabilities, they embrace them.

Embracing vulnerability means acknowledging our fears and insecurities.

It means being honest with ourselves and others about our strengths and weaknesses. And in doing so, we build authentic connections and develop a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Don’t shy away from vulnerability. Embrace it. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness. And who knows? It might just be the key to leveling up in life.

7) Practice mindfulness

Lastly, those who level up in life practice mindfulness. They live in the present, fully engaged with their surroundings and their inner thoughts.

Famed psychologist and mindfulness advocate Jon Kabat-Zinn said, “Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.”

Practicing mindfulness allows us to make deliberate choices, rather than being led by impulse or habit. It helps us focus, reduces stress, and ultimately, promotes personal growth.

So take a moment. Breathe. Be present. It might just be the game-changer you need to level up in life.

Final reflections

The journey of personal growth and leveling up in life is a deeply personal and individual one. It’s a path we forge ourselves, guided by our own experiences, aspirations, and values.

These seven daily behaviors are not prescriptive rules but rather, inspirations drawn from the lives of those who have consistently leveled up.

They offer a window into the mindset and habits that can propel us forward on our unique journeys.

Remember, it’s not about achieving overnight success or drastic transformations. It’s about taking small, consistent steps toward growth and self-improvement.

Take a moment to reflect. Which of these behaviors resonate with you? How can you incorporate them into your everyday life? And most importantly, how do you define leveling up in your own life?

The beauty of this journey is that the power to level up lies within each one of us. We hold the keys to our own growth and evolution. So here’s to leveling up, one day at a time.