10 things highly successful people do at least once a week

Ethan Sterling by Ethan Sterling | September 2, 2024, 7:17 pm

Success isn’t an accident. It’s often a product of habits practiced consistently.

As someone who’s observed highly successful people, I’ve noted some interesting routines they all seem to share.

These activities aren’t rocket science, but they work wonders when done consistently – at least once a week.

Next up, we’ll dive into these 10 habits of highly successful people.

So, grab a nice cup of coffee and let’s get started.

1) They take time for self-care

We often think that successful people are always on the go, always working, and never taking a break. But that’s a myth.

In reality, highly successful people understand the importance of self-care. They know that in order to perform at their best consistently, they need to look after their physical and mental health.

This could involve anything from exercising regularly, eating healthily, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking some time to relax and do something they enjoy.

It’s not about being selfish. It’s about maintaining the energy and resilience necessary to tackle their ambitious goals.

2) They set clear goals

As I’ve navigated my own journey towards success, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of setting clear, actionable goals.

Every Sunday night, like clockwork, I sit down with a cup of tea and my trusty notebook. I review the past week’s achievements and then outline my goals for the upcoming week.

It could be anything from finishing a project, reaching a new fitness milestone, or even spending more quality time with family.

This practice helps me stay focused and motivated. It gives me a clear roadmap for the week ahead so I’m not just aimlessly drifting from day to day.

And you know what? There’s something incredibly satisfying about checking off those goals as I reach them.

Now, if I swear by this practice, I believe the more productive people out there understand it too. It’s no brainer: to achieve big things, we need clear goals to guide us along the way.  

3) They never stop learning

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, is known to read at least 50 books a year. That’s roughly a book a week!

Successful people understand that to stay ahead, they need to constantly expand their knowledge and understanding.

They’re always on the lookout for new ideas, insights, and skills – whether it’s from books, podcasts, courses, or simply conversations with others.

Think about it. In this ever-changing world, the ability to learn and adapt is crucial for long-term success.

4) They prioritize their tasks

High achievers know that not all tasks are created equal. Some tasks have the potential to make a big impact on their goals, while others are less significant.

To ensure they’re making the most of their time, they spend a part of their week prioritizing their tasks. This might be through a to-do list or a project management tool, but the key is to distinguish between what’s urgent, what’s important, and what can wait.

By doing this, they make sure they’re not just busy, but productive. They focus their energy on what truly matters and this helps them move closer to their goals each week. 

5) They maintain strong relationships

Relationships play a crucial role in the life of highly successful people. Be it personal or professional, they understand the importance of maintaining strong, healthy relationships.

Each week, they set aside time to connect with their loved ones, colleagues, mentors, or friends. This could be a casual coffee catch-up, a phone call, or even a quick email just to check-in.

These connections not only provide emotional support and happiness but can also open doors to new opportunities. So remember to invest time in your relationships – it’s often these bonds that help us weather life’s storms and celebrate its victories.

6) They practice gratitude

Amid the hustle and bustle of chasing success, it’s easy to overlook the good in our lives. But successful people make a conscious effort to pause and appreciate what they have.

Each week, they take a moment to reflect on the things they’re grateful for. It might be a supportive family, a fulfilling job, good health, or even just a beautiful sunset after a long day.

This practice of gratitude isn’t just about feeling good – it’s about grounding themselves in positivity and perspective. It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about reaching new heights, but also appreciating the journey along the way.

7) They embrace failure

I once launched a project that I believed would be my big break. I had poured my heart and soul into it, only to see it fall flat.

It was a crushing experience, but it also taught me one of my most valuable lessons: failure is not the end, but a stepping stone towards success.

Goal crushers understand this. They don’t shy away from failure or view it as a reflection of their worth. Instead, they see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and become better.

Each week, they reflect on their mistakes and failures, analyze where they went wrong, and create a plan to improve.

After all, the road to success is paved with setbacks and each failure brings us one step closer to their goals.

8) They disconnect to reconnect

In a world that’s always connected, turning off our devices and stepping away from the noise can seem like a radical move. But successful people know the value of unplugging.

Each week, they carve out time to disconnect from their digital devices. This isn’t about shunning technology, but rather creating space for quiet reflection, creativity, and deeper connections with others.

This digital detox helps them recharge, gain fresh perspectives and come back to their work with renewed focus and energy.

Hey, don’t be afraid to power down your devices once in a while. You might be surprised at the clarity it brings.

9) They seek feedback

Nobody likes to be criticized, but successful people understand that feedback is an essential ingredient for growth.

Each week, they actively seek feedback from their mentors, peers, or team members. They listen with an open mind, even when the feedback is tough to hear.

This willingness to listen and learn from others helps them identify their blind spots, improve their skills and become better leaders.

Therefore, don’t shy away from feedback – see it as a tool for improvement and a stepping stone towards success.

10) They stay true to themselves

At the heart of all successful people is a strong sense of self. They know who they are, what they stand for, and they’re not afraid to live authentically.

Each week, they make choices that align with their values and beliefs, even when it’s not the popular or easy path.

This integrity not only earns them respect from others but also gives them the inner strength to face any challenge that comes their way.

Remember, success isn’t about conforming to someone else’s idea of what you should be. It’s about being true to yourself and living a life that you’re proud of.

Final thoughts: It’s all about consistency

The road to success is not a sprint but a marathon. It’s about the small, consistent actions we take every week that compound over time.

Whether it’s setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, seeking feedback, or simply taking time for self-care, these habits are not one-off events. They’re routines that highly successful people incorporate into their lives.

Remember, it’s not about copying these habits verbatim. It’s about finding what works best for you and sticking to it.

As you reflect on these habits, think about how you can integrate them into your life. You might just find that success is closer than you think.