The most successful phase of your life will begin when you adopt these 7 daily behaviors, according to psychology

Farley Ledgerwood by Farley Ledgerwood | May 9, 2025, 6:34 am

The journey to success is often paved with certain behaviors, actions, and mindsets. According to psychology, there are seven key daily behaviors that can catapult you into the most successful phase of your life.

Now, I’m not talking about some secret magic formula here. These are practical, achievable steps that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine.

What’s more, these aren’t just theoretical suggestions. They are backed by rigorous psychological research and have been proven to make a significant positive impact on personal and professional success.

So, let’s dive in and explore how adopting these seven daily behaviors can help you unlock a new level of success in your life. After all, it’s never too late to start the journey towards the best version of yourself.

1) Start with a positive mindset

Perhaps the most essential behavior to adopt for success is starting your day with a positive mindset.

Why, you might ask?

Well, it’s simple. Your mindset sets the tone for your entire day. Adopting a positive mindset can significantly impact the way you approach your tasks, handle setbacks, and interact with others.

Let’s take a page out of Carol S. Dweck’s book. Dweck, a renowned psychologist and author of “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success”, once said, “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.”

So, start your day with optimism and enthusiasm. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth instead of threats. By doing so, you set yourself up for productivity and success every day.

And remember, positivity breeds positivity. So why not start your day on a high note? It’s one small step that can lead towards creating the most successful phase in your life.

2) Consistent goal setting

Success is often the culmination of consistent, focused efforts towards specific goals. In my own life, I’ve found that the practice of daily goal setting has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

I remember a time when I had a particularly difficult project at work. The scale of it was overwhelming and I didn’t know where to start. So, I decided to break it down into smaller, more manageable goals, to tackle each day. This not only made the project less daunting but also kept me motivated as I could see my progress each day.

Psychologist and author Edwin Locke said, “The setting of a more difficult goal leads to greater effort and performance than does an easy goal or no specific goal.”

This resonates with me because setting these daily targets pushed me to strive harder, and before I knew it, I had completed the project successfully.

So, start your day with clear objectives in mind. Having specific goals will drive you to take action, keep you focused and ultimately lead you towards success.

3) Embrace failure

Have you ever found yourself paralyzed by the fear of failure?

I believe we all have at some point. The truth is, failure is an integral part of success. It’s not a pleasant experience, but it’s a necessary one.

Albert Einstein once said, “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” This quote underscores the importance of viewing failure not as a setback, but as a stepping stone towards success.

Failure teaches us valuable lessons, makes us resilient, and propels us to try harder. It’s an honest reflection of our efforts and a testament to our courage.

So, don’t shy away from it. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it to fuel your journey towards success.

4) Practice gratitude

Practicing gratitude is a simple yet powerful behavior that can positively impact your success.

A study conducted by psychologists Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami found that individuals who wrote down things they were grateful for felt more optimistic and better about their lives.

Participants who kept gratitude lists were also more likely to make progress toward important personal goals. This suggests that cultivating an attitude of gratitude can increase feelings of well-being, life satisfaction, and progress towards personal goals – key components for achieving success.

So, make it a habit to reflect on and appreciate what you have each day. This positive behavior can foster a more optimistic outlook, drive motivation, and ultimately contribute to your journey towards success.

5) Cultivate resilience

Life is full of ups and downs. And success often means having the resilience to weather the storms and keep going.

I’ve had my share of hard times, as I’m sure we all have. But I’ve found that it’s not the difficulties that define us, but how we bounce back from them.

Psychologist Martin Seligman, often referred to as the father of positive psychology, once said, “The good news is that if you are short on resilience, there are techniques for getting more.”

Building resilience isn’t always easy. It requires practice and patience. But by facing difficulties head-on and maintaining a positive mindset, you can strengthen your ability to bounce back from adversities. This resilience not only aids in overcoming challenges but also propels you towards greater success.

6) Take time to do nothing

This might seem counterintuitive when we’re talking about success. But hear me out.

Taking time to do nothing, to simply be, is crucial in our fast-paced world. It allows our minds to rest, recharge, and nurture creativity.

Carl Jung, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, once said, “Without this playing with fantasy, no creative work has ever yet come to birth.”

By taking the time to disconnect and let our minds wander without a specific goal or task at hand, we open ourselves up to new thoughts and ideas. This can lead to fresh perspectives and innovative solutions that can contribute significantly to our personal and professional success.

So ensure you carve out some ‘do nothing’ time in your daily routine. It may just be the key to unlocking your full potential and catapulting you into the most successful phase of your life.

7) Prioritize self-care

Amid all the hustle and bustle, don’t forget to take care of yourself.

As Abraham Maslow, a renowned psychologist, once said, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”

Self-care is not just about physical health. It’s about mental and emotional well-being too. Prioritize self-care and remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to chase success.

Final reflections

The journey to success is as diverse and unique as we are. It’s a path paved with trials, triumphs, learning, and unlearning.

These seven daily behaviors, backed by psychology, can serve as a compass guiding you towards your desired destination. They’re not magic bullets that will instantly catapult you to success. Instead, they’re small, consistent steps that lead to significant changes over time.

As you navigate your path, remember to cherish every step of the journey. Celebrate your progress, however small it may seem. After all, success isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the journey too.

So, reflect on these behaviors, integrate them into your daily routine, and watch as they steer you towards the most successful phase of your life. It’s a journey worth embarking on.