Let’s get this straight – life is most definitely not fair. 

I’m telling you this to spare you from the angst I felt back when I was young and starting out and watching other people succeed at a faster rate than I was. 

My overly idealistic self just could not accept that we’re often not rewarded the way we should be. That other people could be, even if, in our eyes, they don’t deserve it. 

So, if life isn’t fair, the next best thing is to do what we can to gain as many advantages as possible. 

And no, I’m not talking about cutting corners or playing dirty. I’m talking about simple, everyday habits that can put you ahead of the game. 

These habits might not make life fair, but they’ll give you the edge you need to thrive, no matter what. Let’s dive into the nine habits that can give you that unfair advantage.

1) Wake up early

Not to be cliche, but the early bird does catch the worm. As someone who sleeps like a log, I resisted this idea for years. 

I got up as late as I managed to get away with, which means, I’d wake up and rush, rush, rush to get to work. Who cares if I went through a mad dash every morning, if I was able to sleep as much as I wanted?  

The problem was, that frazzled state wore me down more than I realized. Starting my day in panic mode was draining my energy before I even stepped out the door.

Fortunately, I’m smarter than that now. I am now a complete convert who wakes up an hour earlier. And yes, it has indeed given me an unfair advantage. 

Waking up early gives you the time for a solid morning routine that sets just a calm, confident tone for the rest of your day. 

As counselor Jodi Clarke explains, “Starting the day this way can allow us to effectively complete tasks and to handle things that come our way without constantly feeling stressed or overwhelmed.”

Sounds like an unfair advantage, doesn’t it? The me today definitely kicks the old me’s butt. That extra hour gives me time to think clearly, plan ahead, and take control of my schedule instead of letting it control me.

2) Practice mindfulness

Real talk – most people are just running on autopilot. 

They’re easily stressed. They half-listen to conversations. They’re preoccupied with checking things off a list, not really paying attention to what matters most. 

Does that sound like you? 

Well, it might be time to slow down and practice mindfulness. This is such a simple habit yet so powerful in so many ways, according to research:  

• It reduces rumination and stress
• It boosts memory and focus
• It makes us less reactive and more cognitively flexible
• It predicts better relationship satisfaction

That’s a lot of benefits packed in the simple act of being still and paying attention. No doubt about it, mindfulness gives you an edge over everyone else who’s just operating on autopilot. 

3) Exercise regularly

Strong body, strong mind—it’s as simple as that.

Exercise does the wonderful job of making us stronger, physically and mentally. It makes us more capable of handling challenges in every single way. 

According to psychiatrist and author John Ratey, “Exercise is the single best thing you can do for your brain in terms of mood, memory, and learning. Even 10 minutes of activity changes your brain for the better.”

In a world where so many people feel sluggish and unmotivated, just showing up for yourself by working out consistently is an unfair advantage in itself. 

4) Be a lifelong learner 

Obviously, if you want to get ahead, you’ve got to be a step ahead mentally. One of the most effective ways to do that is to make learning your life’s mission. 

So read consistently. Listen to podcasts. Talk to people who can share new insights with you.

The more knowledge you acquire, the more connections you can make between ideas. You start thinking in ways others don’t, and that gives you an undeniable edge.

It’s all about having a growth mindset. 

5) Network intentionally

Here’s another harsh fact in life: sometimes it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. 

In fact, this is probably the area where unfairness is most evident. I mean, there are so many people out there who are successful, not because of talent or hard work, but because they were connected to the right people. 

It’s frustrating, but it’s a reality we can’t ignore.

Look, you could be the most skilled person in the room, but if no one knows it, you’ll stay invisible. 

So if networking is tough for you (as it is for me), be more intentional and selective about it. Build meaningful connections with people who align with your goals, values, and can help you grow.

Choose quality over quantity. The right connections can open doors you didn’t even know existed, and that’s an advantage worth working on.

6) Practice stoicism

This is a simple habit that’s given me a real advantage in life. Learning how to be stoic has taught me to to focus on what I can control and let go of what I can’t. 

This is so important if you want to get ahead in life. You want to be the person who doesn’t lose their cool over things beyond their control. To be calm and grounded no matter what happens. 

Not only is this a real leadership skill, but it also does wonders for personal relationships.  

I remember when we were in the middle of a family drama, my sister told me, “I wish I could be more like you. I wish I could care less!” 

Well, it wasn’t that I cared less; it was just that I’ve simply learned to choose my response to drama. I was no longer as weak to my emotions as I used to be. 

This brings me to the next point…

7) Practice perspective-shifting

Why do we get stuck in difficult situations or arguments? It’s because we can’t see things from a different angle. We get tunnel vision and can’t figure a way out.

That’s where perspective-shifting comes in. It’s one of those simple habits that can change everything, but it does take practice, as any mental habit does. 

Learning to look at things from another point of view can really open up ideas and solutions you never saw before. It helps you adapt and thrive, even in unfamiliar circumstances. 

Research also shows that looking at things from a third-person view usually helps reduce the intensity of both positive and negative emotions. 

This gets you back to a calm and grounded state, which, as we’ve established, gives you an advantage over others. 

8) Stay grateful 

Another habit that gives you an unfair advantage in life is the practice of gratitude. 

How so? 

Well, imagine how hard it is to stay happy when the chips are down. You begin dwelling on what’s going wrong, on how life is so unfair and all that. 

But if you know how to appreciate what you have, you can find light even in tough times. 

And that’s a real advantage. While others are stuck in negativity, you can keep your perspective in check, stay positive, and move forward. 

Gratitude also trains you to operate from an abundance mindset. So instead of feeling stressed and desperate, you feel confident – there’s enough to go around, and you don’t have to fight for every little thing. 

9) Practice self-love

Lastly, self-love. You wouldn’t think of this as an unfair advantage, but believe me, given the way many people struggle with it, it absolutely is.

According to BetterUp, many studies suggest that we need self-love in order to:

• Take action
• Take chances
• Take on new opportunities

When you practice self-love, you’re giving yourself the permission to prioritize your well-being, set boundaries, and not settle for less than you deserve. 

Simply put, you end up with a life that’s well-designed and that truly makes you happy and fulfilled.