I’ve been there, and I’m sure you have too.

You’re passionate about what you do and it’s a rush when you’re on a roll, but then there are those days when you’re just plain exhausted.

You’ve pushed yourself to the limit and you’re running on empty, but there’s still so much to do.

It feels like a cruel twist of fate, right?

But here’s the thing: those who consistently achieve great things have a secret weapon that they use even when they’re dead tired.

Intrigued? Well, allow me to share the eight productivity habits that high achievers always practice, even on those days when they’d rather be snoozing than schmoozing. Trust me, it’s not as impossible as it sounds.

1) They prioritize their tasks

High achievers understand that not all tasks are created equal.

They know that some tasks have a higher impact on their goals than others, and they make sure to focus on these tasks first.

It’s not about doing everything, but about doing the right things.

Even when they’re tired, they don’t just try to tick off as many tasks as possible from their to-do list.

Instead, they identify the key tasks that really matter and make sure to get those done.

This way, even on their most exhausting days, they still manage to make significant progress towards their goals.

2) They take care of their health

I’ll admit it, there have been days when I’ve pushed myself to the brink and ignored my body’s cries for rest.

High achievers know this is a dangerous game to play.

Even when they’re swamped, they ensure they are fueling their bodies with nutritious food, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep.

I’ve learned the hard way that neglecting your health in the name of productivity is counterproductive.

You end up feeling tired more often, and your productivity levels drop drastically.

Now, even on my busiest days, I make sure to take care of my health.

It’s not always easy to do, especially when deadlines are looming, but it’s crucial for sustained high performance. The truth is, without your health, you’ve got nothing.

3) They know when to take a break

Research indicates that taking breaks can decrease or prevent stress and support sustained performance throughout the day. 

This rings true for me, and here’s a personal example

I remember a time when I was working on a big project with a fast-approaching deadline. The more I pushed, the slower I seemed to work. My thoughts were foggy and my productivity was at an all-time low.

Then one day, in my exhausted state, I decided to give myself a break.

I took a walk in the park, breathed in some fresh air, and allowed my mind to wander. When I came back to my desk, it felt like a fog had lifted. I was able to think clearly, work faster and even come up with some fresh ideas.

High achievers know that breaks are not a luxury but a necessity for peak performance. Even when they’re running low on energy and having a mountain of work to do, they make sure to take regular breaks to refresh their minds.

4) They harness the power of positive affirmation

High achievers often use positive affirmations to boost their mental state, especially when they’re feeling low.

They understand that our thoughts can influence our actions.

Now, here is something you may not know: our brains can’t actually differentiate between what is real and what is imagined.

This means that when we repeatedly tell ourselves positive things, our brains start to believe it, and this changes our behavior accordingly.

I started using positive affirmations a few years ago, and it’s been a game changer for me.

Even on days when I feel like I’m dragging myself through the mud, repeating my affirmations helps lift my spirits and gives me the energy to keep going.

High achievers don’t just randomly use affirmations, they have specific ones that align with their goals and they repeat these regularly. In essence, positivity becomes their fuel, propelling them forward even in the face of fatigue.

5) They delegate effectively

Let’s face it, nobody can do everything on their own.

High achievers understand this very well. They know their strengths and weaknesses and they’re not afraid to delegate tasks that others can do better.

This is a big one for me. As a type-A personality, I used to think that I had to do everything myself to ensure it was done right. But the reality is, that just isn’t possible.

Over time, I’ve learned to delegate tasks to others who can do them better or faster. This frees up my time and energy to focus on the tasks that only I can do, the ones that really move the needle.

6) They set realistic goals

High achievers are not just dreamers, they are doers. And doers understand the importance of setting realistic goals.

They understand that only realistic and achievable goals can keep them motivated on a daily basis and prevent burnout.

Because at the end of the day, productivity is not about how much you can cram into your schedule, it’s about how effectively you can work towards your goals.

7) They embrace a growth mindset

High achievers embody a growth mindset, a belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Unlike a fixed mindset that views talents as innate and unchangeable, a growth mindset thrives on challenges, seeing them as opportunities for learning and improvement. 

Individuals with a growth mindset embrace effort as a path to mastery, persisting in the face of setbacks. They are open to feedback and constructive criticism, using it to refine their skills.

This outlook fosters resilience and adaptability, inspiring them to move forward regardless of difficulties. 

8) They practice self-compassion

This might surprise you, but one of the most important productivity habits high achievers practice is self-compassion.

While they may set ambitious goals and work diligently to achieve them, they also recognize the importance of treating themselves with kindness. Self-compassion involves acknowledging one’s own imperfections and failures without harsh self-judgment, and it includes being supportive toward oneself during challenging times.

Setbacks are a natural part of the learning and growth process, and high achievers know this too well. Therefore, instead of beating themselves up, they treat themselves with the same empathy they might extend to a friend.

This self-compassionate attitude not only helps in maintaining a healthy mental and emotional state but also contributes to resilience, motivation, and overall well-being. 

Take it one day at a time

High achievers aren’t born, they’re made. And they’re made through habits like these.

You might already be practicing some of these habits, or you might be inspired to start incorporating them into your routine. Either way, remember that change doesn’t happen overnight.

Take it one day at a time. Start small if you need to. The key is consistency.