Did you know that successful women, who always seem to get ahead, have subtle behaviors that they live by?

These behaviors aren’t about trampling others to reach the top. Rather, they’re about cultivating personal growth and fostering positive relationships.

Successful women understand that it’s not just what they do but how they do it that makes the difference. They master certain behaviors that propel them ahead in life.

In this piece, we’ll explore 8 subtle behaviors of successful women who always seem to get ahead in life.

1) Mindful presence

In every field of life, being truly present is a non-negotiable for success. Successful women who always seem to get ahead have mastered this subtle behavior.

Being mindful means fully engaging in the present moment. It’s about not just hearing, but truly listening. It’s about not just seeing, but truly observing.

Successful women understand that every interaction, every task, every moment is an opportunity.

An opportunity to learn, to grow, to influence, to lead. And they don’t want to miss these opportunities by being distracted or preoccupied.

Mindful presence allows them to:

• Make better decisions
• Build stronger relationships
• Move forward with clarity and purpose

So if you’re aiming for success, start by being fully present in each moment. It’s a subtle behavior that can make a huge difference. 

2) Embracing failure

Ever heard of the saying “Failure is the stepping stone to success”?

Well, successful women live by this mantra. They understand that failure isn’t an end but a beginning.

In my own journey toward success, I’ve had my fair share of failures.

One instance that stands out is when I first tried to launch my own business.

At the time, I was passionate and eager, but also quite naive. Needless to say, the business failed within the first year.

But guess what?

That failure was one of the best things that happened to me. It forced me to reassess my strategies, learn new skills, and grow both personally and professionally.

It was a tough pill to swallow, but it made me stronger and more resilient.

Successful women don’t let failures deter them; instead, they use them as motivation. They learn from their mistakes and use these lessons as stepping stones to reach their goals.

Embrace your failures. See them not as setbacks but as opportunities for growth. This behavior is one of the key ingredients for success.

3) Lifelong learning

One of the impressive behaviors of successful women is their commitment to lifelong learning. They’re always eager to expand their knowledge and skills, whether it’s related to their field or not.

Did you know that Warren Buffet, one of the most successful investors in history, spends 80% of his day reading? This is a testament to the power of continuous learning.

Successful women don’t rest on their laurels.

They seize every opportunity to learn and grow, whether it’s through formal education, self-study, or practical experience.

In the fast-paced world we live in, adaptability is critical. And the best way to stay adaptable is to keep learning.

So, embrace lifelong learning as a key behavior for getting ahead in life.

4) Prioritizing self-care

It may seem counterintuitive, but successful women know that to keep up with their demanding lives, they need to prioritize self-care.

They understand that taking care of their physical, mental, and emotional health is critical for their overall performance and productivity.

Whether it’s scheduling regular workouts, ensuring they get enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, or taking time out for relaxation and hobbies, they make sure to include self-care in their busy schedules.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

By taking care of yourself first, you’ll be better prepared to handle the challenges that come your way and achieve your goals.

5) Cultivating gratitude

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the good things we have.

Successful women, however, make it a point to count their blessings. They understand the power of gratitude in creating a positive outlook and fostering happiness.

Gratitude isn’t about ignoring problems or challenges. Rather, it’s about acknowledging the good things amidst these challenges:

• Appreciating the love and support of family and friends
• Savoring the joy in little moments
• Being thankful for the lessons learned from failures

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can shift our focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in our lives. This shift can have a profound impact on our mental wellbeing and overall quality of life.

So remember to take time each day to acknowledge and appreciate what you have. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference in your journey toward success.

6) Seeking feedback

Successful women know the value of feedback. They’re not afraid to ask for it, and more importantly, they’re open to receiving it.

I used to struggle with this.

Early in my career, I saw feedback as criticism and took it personally. It made me defensive and closed off to any suggestions or observations from others.

But over time, I realized that feedback wasn’t a personal attack. It was an opportunity for growth.

Once I opened myself up to feedback, I started to see improvements in my work and relationships.

Now, I actively seek feedback.

It’s not always easy to hear, but it’s invaluable in helping me understand my strengths and areas for improvement.

Don’t shy away from feedback. Embrace it as an essential tool for personal and professional development. It’s a subtle behavior that can significantly contribute to your success.

7) Setting boundaries

Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.

Successful women understand the importance of setting and enforcing these boundaries, both in their personal and professional lives.

Boundaries can be about time, tasks, relationships, or even mental and emotional space. The key is to understand your limits and make sure others respect them.

This may mean saying no to taking on extra work when you’re already overwhelmed, or making sure you have time for self-care amidst your busy schedule.

Remember, setting boundaries isn’t about being rigid or unapproachable. Instead, it’s about respecting your own needs and ensuring others do too. It’s a behavior that is essential for long-term success and wellbeing.

8) Embracing authenticity

At the heart of every successful woman’s journey is authenticity. They know that to truly succeed and make a lasting impact, they must be true to themselves.

Authenticity is about:

• Embracing who you are
• Owning your story
• Expressing yourself honestly

It’s about not conforming to societal norms or expectations but following your own path.

Being authentic allows you to connect deeply with others, inspire trust, and lead more effectively. It gives you the freedom to make decisions that align with your values and goals.

So, embrace your authenticity. It’s not just a behavior; it’s the very essence of who you are and the foundation of your success.

Final thoughts

The path to success is paved with behaviors that often go unnoticed. These subtle behaviors are the silent drivers that propel successful women forward in their journey.

From maintaining mindful presence to embracing authenticity, these behaviors are the secrets behind every victory, every achievement.

But remember, success isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence. It’s about rising up every time you fall, learning from every mistake you make, and growing with every step you take.

So, as you reflect on these subtle behaviors of successful women, remember that your journey is unique to you. Embrace your path, embody these behaviors, and watch as you get ahead in life.