10 habits to start doing now to get ahead of everyone else in 5 years

The difference between merely drifting through life and making real progress comes down to one thing: your habits

Now, I’m not talking about biting your nails or always being five minutes late. I’m talking about those habits that can propel you ahead of everyone else in the next five years.

Investing in such habits can make you a trailblazer, a leader, someone others look up to. And I’ve got a list of ten such habits to share with you.

In this article, you’ll find 10 habits to start doing now to get ahead of everyone else in 5 years. 

Let’s get started. 

1) Embrace lifelong learning

In the race to get ahead, one habit stands out above the rest: embracing lifelong learning.

We live in a rapidly changing world. What was relevant and applicable five years ago may not hold true today. And that’s where lifelong learning comes in.

Lifelong learners are always on the hunt for new knowledge. They read widely, take courses, attend workshops, and are constantly updating their skill sets.

This habit is not just about professional development. It’s about personal growth too. It’s about understanding the world better, becoming more empathetic, and gaining a broader perspective on life.

Think about it. Who would you bet on: someone who stopped learning after graduation or someone who’s constantly updating their knowledge and skills?

By adopting a mindset of continuous learning, you’re setting yourself up for success in the long run. And that’s how you get ahead of everyone else in five years.

2) Prioritize your health

This one hit me like a ton of bricks a few years back. I was so focused on my career that I neglected my health. Eating junk food, sleeping too little, and never finding time for exercise became my norm. Until one day, I collapsed from exhaustion.

That’s when I realized that health isn’t something to be taken lightly. It’s the foundation on which everything else is built.

Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to prioritize my health. I started cooking more at home, swapping fast food for fresh fruits and veggies. I committed to sleeping at least 7 hours every night. And I started doing yoga every morning.

In just a few months, I noticed a massive difference. My energy levels shot up, my concentration improved, and I started feeling happier and more fulfilled.

And the best part? My work didn’t suffer. In fact, I became more productive because I had more energy and focus.

3) Cultivate a positive mindset

The power of a positive mindset cannot be overstated. Research shows that positive thinking can lead to an increased life span, lower rates of depression, better psychological and physical well-being, and even better coping skills during hardships and times of stress.

A positive mindset isn’t about ignoring negativity or problems. Rather, it’s about approaching these challenges in a more productive and constructive way.

It’s about seeing the glass half full rather than half empty. It’s about looking for solutions instead of dwelling on problems. And it’s about believing in yourself and your ability to overcome obstacles.

By cultivating a positive mindset, you’re setting yourself up for success in the future. And that’s a habit that can truly put you ahead of everyone else in five years.

4) Set clear goals

The importance of setting clear goals cannot be overstated. It’s like plotting your course on a map. Without a clear destination in mind, you’ll end up wandering aimlessly.

Setting goals gives you a long-term vision and short-term motivation. It helps you to organize your resources and time so that you can make the most of your life.

Write down what you want to achieve in the next five years. Make sure these goals are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This way, you’ll have a clear path to follow.

Setting goals isn’t a one-time thing. As you grow and evolve, your goals will too. So make it a habit to review and update them regularly.

With clear goals in mind, and the determination to achieve them, there’s no doubt that you’ll get ahead of everyone else in five years.

5) Practice gratitude

Practicing gratitude is a simple habit that can have a profound impact on your life. It shifts your focus from what’s missing in your life to what you have.

Keeping a gratitude journal, where you jot down what you’re thankful for each day, can be an excellent way to cultivate this habit. It could be as simple as a good cup of coffee, a compliment from a colleague, or a beautiful sunset.

This practice trains your brain to look for the positive in every situation and helps you appreciate the good things in life. It reduces stress, improves sleep, and boosts happiness.

In the grand scheme of things, practicing gratitude helps you maintain a positive outlook on life. And when you’re positive and appreciative, you attract more good things into your life.

Start practicing gratitude today and watch how it propels you ahead of everyone else in five years.

6) Foster meaningful relationships

At the end of the day, it’s not the money in the bank or the accolades on your wall that matter most. It’s the connections you’ve made and the lives you’ve touched.

Fostering meaningful relationships is a habit that can truly enrich your life. It’s about building a network of people who inspire you, support you, and bring joy into your life.

It’s about genuinely investing time and energy into these relationships, nurturing them with care. It’s about giving as much as you take, about being there for others in their times of need.

These relationships become your support system, your sounding board, and often, your source of motivation. They add depth and meaning to your life.

Moreover, studies show that people with strong social connections tend to be happier, healthier, and live longer.

So, nurture your relationships. Cherish them. Make them a priority. This is one habit that will not only help you get ahead in five years but will also enrich your life in ways you can’t even imagine.

7) Embrace failure

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve failed. Whether it was a failed business venture, a rejected proposal, or a personal goal I fell short of, failure has been a constant companion on my journey.

But here’s what I’ve learned: Failure isn’t the end. It’s a stepping stone to success.

Each failure is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to become better. It provides invaluable lessons that can guide you on your path to success.

Embracing failure as part of the process is crucial if you want to get ahead. It helps you build resilience, fosters creativity, and encourages risk-taking.

So, the next time you face failure, instead of being disheartened, see it as an opportunity. Learn from it and move on. This is how you get ahead of everyone else in five years.

8) Take regular breaks

In a world that glorifies busyness, taking breaks might seem like a luxury. But here’s the truth: breaks are not just necessary, they’re essential for long-term success.

Our brains are not wired to focus for extended periods. That’s why we often feel drained and unproductive after long, uninterrupted work sessions.

Taking regular breaks, on the other hand, can boost your productivity and creativity. It gives your mind a chance to rest, recharge, and come back stronger.

Whether it’s a five-minute pause every hour or a day off every week, make sure to schedule regular breaks. Use this time to relax, pursue a hobby or just do something you love.

This simple habit can drastically improve your performance and wellbeing. And being more productive and happy? That’s sure to put you ahead of everyone else in five years.

9) Cultivate self-awareness

Self-awareness is the conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires. It’s about understanding your strengths and weaknesses, your passions and fears, your values and beliefs.

Developing self-awareness can lead to better decision-making, improved relationships, and higher emotional intelligence. It helps you understand why you do what you do, how you react in certain situations, and where you can improve.

Practices like meditation, journaling, or seeking feedback from others can help cultivate self-awareness.

As you become more self-aware, you’ll find that you’re better able to navigate through life’s challenges and opportunities. And this increased understanding of yourself will undoubtedly help you get ahead of everyone else in five years.

10) Take action

All the planning, learning, and strategizing in the world won’t help if you don’t take action.

It’s easy to get caught up in the planning phase, to wait for the perfect moment, or to procrastinate because you’re not sure if you’re ready.

But the truth is, there’s no perfect moment. And you’ll never be fully ready.

Taking action, even small steps, is what will move you forward. It’s what turns dreams into reality.

Don’t just dream about getting ahead in five years. Start taking action today. Because, in the end, action is the bridge between your plans and your success.

Final thoughts: The power lies within you

The path to getting ahead is not a secret formula or a hidden treasure map. It’s a journey paved with habits, actions, and decisions that are entirely within your control.

Each habit we’ve discussed – from embracing lifelong learning to taking action – is a stepping stone on this journey. They’re not just tips or tricks but powerful tools for personal and professional growth.

Consider the story of Thomas Edison, whose countless failures in inventing the light bulb led him to famously remark, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” It was his habits of persistence, curiosity, and embracing failure that eventually led to his success.

Your journey might be different from Edison’s, but the underlying principle remains the same. The habits you cultivate today will shape your future.

So as you reflect on these habits and consider their place in your life, remember: the power to get ahead in five years lies within you. It’s up to you to harness it.