Who doesn’t want to achieve greatness? Have you ever wondered what sets successful leaders apart from the rest of us? What habits and practices do they have that enable them to achieve greatness in their personal and professional lives?
In this blog, you will learn the seven most important habits of highly successful leaders. These habits have been tried and tested by some of the world’s most successful people.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a manager, or simply someone who wants to make your life count, these habits are essential for unlocking your full potential.
The first habit of highly successful leaders is setting clear goals. Now, you may be thinking, “I already know about setting goals. What’s the big deal?” Well, it’s not just about setting any goals — it’s about setting clear, specific, and achievable goals.
One leader who exemplifies this habit is Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla. Musk is known for his ambitious goals, such as colonizing Mars and revolutionizing the automotive industry. But what sets Musk apart from others is his ability to break down these lofty goals into smaller, manageable steps. To achieve greatness, you need to follow Musk’s example and set clear goals for yourself.
Here are some practical tips for setting goals:
First, make sure your goals are specific and measurable. Instead of saying, “I want to make more money,” set a specific target, like “I want to increase my income by 20% this year.”
Second, break your goals down into smaller, achievable steps. For example, if your goal is to write a book, break it down into chapters or daily writing goals.
And finally, hold yourself accountable by tracking your progress and adjusting your goals as necessary.
Remember, setting clear goals is the first step towards achieving greatness. So start today by setting a clear, specific, and achievable goal for yourself.
Successful leaders know that growth is a never-ending process, and they make sure to prioritize learning and self-improvement in their daily routines.
One of the world’s most successful investors, Warren Buffett, despite his incredible success, finds time to read hundreds of books every year. In fact, when asked about the key to his success, Buffett once held up a stack of books and said, “Read 500 pages like this every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest.” So, if you want to be a successful leader, make sure you’re always learning and growing.
Here are some practical tips for incorporating learning into your daily routine:
First, make it a habit to read or listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or articles on a regular basis. This can be as simple as listening to a podcast during your morning commute or reading a few pages of a book before bed. The apostle Paul developed this habit. He said to his friend Timothy: “When you come, be sure to bring […] my books, and especially my papers.” (1 Timothy 4:13)
Second, seek out opportunities for formal education or training in your field. Whether it be taking an online course or attending a conference, investing in your own education can pay off in big ways.
And finally, don’t be afraid to learn from those around you. Seek out mentors, coaches, or colleagues who can help you grow and learn new skills.
It’s not just enough to set goals and learn — you must actually do something about it. But sometimes, fear, self-doubt, or procrastination can stop us in our tracks. That’s where successful leaders come in — they know that taking risks and embracing failure is crucial if you want to achieve greatness. So, don’t let fear hold you back — take a leap of faith and see where it takes you!
Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, took a huge risk by quitting her job and starting her own business, despite having no background in fashion or business. And when her initial designs failed, she didn’t give up — instead, she embraced failure as a learning opportunity and kept pushing forward. Today, Spanx is a multi-billion dollar company.
To achieve greatness like Blakely, you need to take action, even when it’s scary or uncertain.
Here are some practical tips for overcoming fear and taking action:
We all know that having a strong support system is important, but did you know that it can actually help you achieve greatness? A support system means having a network of positive relationships.
But how can you build and maintain positive relationships?
Have you ever observed Oprah Winfrey? She is an active listener. When you’re talking to someone, really listen to what they’re saying instead of just waiting for your turn to speak. This shows that you value their thoughts and feelings.
Another way to build positive relationships is by expressing gratitude. Take the time to thank the people in your life who have supported you, and let them know how much you appreciate them.
And finally, don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with new people. Attend networking events, join groups or clubs that align with your interests, and make an effort to meet new people. You never know who you might meet or how they might impact your life!
Alright, let’s talk about the fifth habit of highly successful leaders — practicing gratitude. Gratitude is all about focusing on the good things in life and appreciating what you have. And let me tell you, it can have a huge impact on your mental and emotional well-being.
Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook regularly practices gratitude. He knows this can help him stay positive, motivated, and resilient — even during tough times.
So, how can you incorporate gratitude into your daily routine?
Well, one easy way is to start a gratitude journal. Every day, take a few minutes to write down three things you’re grateful for. This can be anything from a supportive friend to a beautiful sunset.
Take the time to thank the people in your life who have made a positive impact on you. Let them know how much you appreciate them and the things they do.
And finally, try to cultivate a general attitude of gratitude throughout your day. Focus on the positive aspects of situations, even when they may seem challenging or difficult.
I know what you’re thinking — failure? That sounds like the opposite of success! But let me tell you, failure is actually an essential part of the journey to greatness.
Apple Inc. Founder late Steve Jobs faced many failures before tasting sweet success. Leaders like him take failure as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.
So, how can you embrace failure and turn it into a learning opportunity?
For starters, try reframing your opinion about failure. Think of it as a chance to learn and grow. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this experience? How can I use this knowledge to improve in the future?”
Another tip is to seek feedback from others. Getting an outside perspective can help you see where you went wrong and what you can do differently next time. And don’t forget to take time to reflect on what you’ve learned. Think about what worked well and what didn’t, and how you can apply those lessons in the future.
Remember, embracing failure is not easy, but it’s an essential habit for success. So, don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. Embrace failure, learn from it, and keep moving forward.
In the words of prophet Micah: “For though I fall, I will rise again.” (Micah 7:8)
Many successful leaders understand the importance of social responsibility and philanthropy, and make it a priority to give back to their communities.
Take David Green, the founder of Hobby Lobby, the American arts and crafts store chain, for example. He not only runs a successful business but also gives back by donating 50% of his company’s profits to various causes.
So, how can you give back?
It doesn’t have to be something grand or expensive. Volunteering your time or skills to a cause you care about is a great way to start. You can also support organizations or charities that align with your personal values.
Remember, giving is not just about helping others, it’s also about enriching your own life and finding fulfillment in making a difference.
Let’s quickly recap the 7 habits of highly successful leaders:
These habits have been proven to be essential for anyone who wants to achieve greatness in their personal and professional life.
They make your life meaningful.
By setting clear goals, continuously learning, taking action, building positive relationships, practicing gratitude, embracing failure, and giving, you can become a successful leader and make a positive impact on the world.
