The main purpose of my previous article on eliminating bad habits was to strengthen creative thinking, increase productivity, create work–life balance and support mental well-being.
However, once you remove harmful habits, the next step is to study the habits of successful people and apply them to your own life. These habits elevate a person both professionally and personally.
Success can mean different things to different people:
— earning more money,
— advancing in a career,
— gaining influence,
— helping others,
— or simply personal growth.
Once you define what success means to you, adding the following habits to your life can dramatically change your results.
1. Read a lot
Almost all successful people read extensively. Reading is one of the best exercises for the brain and the key to growth.
P.J. Worsfold, product lead at FTSY, says he spends an hour every day after lunch absorbing knowledge — reading about his specialty, pop culture and current events.
Reading:
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broadens experience,
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makes the mind more flexible,
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expands thinking limits,
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allows a person to access experiences they could never live in real life.
A personal library is always present in the life of successful individuals.
2. Work consistently
After founding Microsoft, Bill Gates became one of the richest and most influential people in the world. One of his greatest secrets is constant learning and keeping the mind active.
In 2008, his days began with running on the treadmill and continued with watching The Great Courses lectures.
Successful people understand:
a strong mind = a strong body + continuous learning
According to Tom Corley’s research, 76% of wealthy people exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
Mark Zuckerberg says:
“I work out at least three times a week — always in the morning.”
Physical activity boosts confidence and motivation.
3. Eliminate fear
Fear is the greatest enemy of growth. Without courage, no major achievement is possible.
For example, Warren Buffett feared public speaking for years. It was so intense that he avoided presentations even during university. Later, he enrolled in a Dale Carnegie course and overcame this fear.
His advice:
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Start with small steps.
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Transform nervousness into positive energy.
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Practice consistently.
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Face your fears instead of hiding from them.
4. Never give up
Successful people know that challenges are temporary. Progress is impossible without going through difficulties.
Examples:
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Elon Musk — bullied at school, fired from PayPal, yet today one of the world’s leading innovators.
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Jack Ma — rejected from over 30 jobs including KFC, and refused by Harvard 10 times. Today he is a billionaire and founder of a global company.
Advice:
“You may change your goals, but never give up. Every success story begins with struggle.”
5. “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” — (Steve Jobs philosophy)
Steve Jobs, despite rejections and setbacks in his youth, never abandoned his vision.
What started as a small idea in a garage now shapes global technology.
His iconic words:
“Stay hungry, stay foolish.”
This philosophy encourages constant learning, risk-taking and stepping out of the comfort zone.
6. Take notes
Billionaires like Bill Gates and Richard Branson write down their thoughts, plans and ideas every day. Note-taking:
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strengthens memory,
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simplifies planning,
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boosts creativity,
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helps prioritize effectively.
Richard Branson says:
“Without taking notes, I wouldn’t have achieved most of what I have today.”
7. Plan every minute
Time is an irreplaceable resource. No one can create more of it.
Bill Gates schedules his day in 5-minute blocks.
Elon Musk uses the same system.
Warren Buffett said:
“Time is the only asset money can’t buy.”
Successful people:
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don’t procrastinate,
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set priorities correctly,
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use every minute efficiently.
8. Share
Successful people understand: wealth gains value when it is shared.
Charity and helping others are common habits they all share.
Examples:
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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
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Mark Zuckerberg
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Oprah Winfrey
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Serena Williams (donated $43,000)
You don’t need great wealth to give. Helping within your ability is enough.
Conclusion
Both good and bad habits shape a person’s life.
The path to success lies in consistent effort, self-improvement and strengthening positive daily routines.
Remove harmful habits, add the habits of successful people — and success becomes inevitable.