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

There’s a considerable difference between going with the flow and actively shaping your future.

This difference is all about action. Just going along with life is like sitting in a boat without paddling – you’ll drift, but you’re not in control of where you’re heading.

But if you want to get ahead of everyone else in five years, you need to take charge, pick up that paddle and start steering. And the way to do this? Through developing habits that propel you forward.

Starting right now is key. And, lucky for you, I’ve got a list of ten habits that can help you do just that.

Let’s get started. 

1) Early risers

It’s no secret that many successful people are early birds.

Ever heard the saying, “The early bird gets the worm”? There’s a reason for its popularity. Waking up early can give you a head start on your day, and hence, on everyone else.

You see, getting up early isn’t just about ticking off tasks from your to-do list; it’s about carving out time for yourself before the rest of the world wakes up. It’s about setting the tone for your day.

Think about it like this: By waking up early, you’re not just ahead in terms of hours. You’re ahead in terms of mindset, productivity, and focus.

2) Consistent learning

Knowledge, they say, is power. And in my experience, consistent learning is the key to unlocking that power.

Let me share a personal story. A few years ago, I realized that I was struggling to keep up with the rapidly changing technology trends in my field. Instead of getting overwhelmed, I decided to dedicate just 30 minutes every day to learning something new related to my industry.

It was tough initially; I won’t lie. But soon, it became a habit. I started consuming articles, podcasts, webinars – anything that could feed my knowledge.

Fast forward to today, this habit of consistent learning has not only helped me keep abreast with the latest trends but has also given me an edge over others in my field. I find myself more confident during discussions and better equipped to handle challenges at work.

3) Physical activity

We all know exercise is good for our physical health, but did you know it can boost your cognitive functions too? Research suggests that regular physical activity can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and even memory.

What’s more, it’s not about hitting the gym for hours. Just 20 minutes of moderate exercise a day can make a noticeable difference. It could be as simple as a brisk walk, a quick jog, or even some yoga stretches.

Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is like investing in your brain’s future potential – an investment sure to pay dividends in the next five years and beyond. So, lace up those sneakers and get moving!

4) Goal setting

Having a clear vision of where you want to be in the future is fundamental to getting ahead. And setting specific, achievable goals is the first step to realizing that vision.

Goals give you direction, focus and motivation. They act as stepping stones that guide your progress, allowing you to measure it and celebrate each small victory along the way.

But remember, it’s not just about setting goals; it’s about committing to them and working diligently towards achieving them. A habit of regular goal setting and tracking can create a roadmap for success that will put you miles ahead of others in five years’ time.

Start today. Write down your goals, make them specific and measurable, and revisit them regularly. This habit could be your ticket to a future where you’re not just keeping up, but leading the way.

5) Gratitude practice

Gratitude might not be the first thing you associate with getting ahead, but it’s more powerful than you might think.

Regularly acknowledging what you’re thankful for can shift your mindset from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life. This positive perspective can not only boost your mood but also improve your resilience in the face of challenges.

People who practice gratitude consistently report fewer physical symptoms, feel better about their lives as a whole, and are more optimistic about the future.

Make it a habit to jot down a few things you’re grateful for each day. This simple act can set a positive tone for your day and help pave the way for future success.

6) Cultivating empathy

In a highly competitive world, empathy might seem like a soft skill. However, it’s one of the most valuable skills you can cultivate.

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, can profoundly impact your personal and professional relationships. It can help you foster deeper connections, enhance teamwork, and even improve customer relationships.

In my experience, truly understanding someone else’s perspective can open doors to opportunities you never knew existed. It’s like unlocking a secret level in a game – suddenly, you have access to paths that were previously hidden.

7) Embracing failure

There was this one project early in my career that I was extremely excited about. I poured my heart and soul into it, only for it to crash and burn. It was a devastating blow, to say the least.

But here’s what I realized: Failure is not the end. It’s just a stepping stone, a lesson in disguise. It’s through our failures that we learn, grow, and ultimately, succeed.

Don’t shy away from taking risks for fear of failure. Embrace it. Learn from it. Let it fuel your determination to do better next time. Making failure your friend rather than your enemy can set you on a path to success that outpaces everyone else.

8) Scheduled downtime

In a world that glorifies busyness, taking time out to do absolutely nothing might seem like a waste. But here’s the thing: Our brains need downtime to refresh and rejuvenate.

Think of it as servicing your car. You wouldn’t keep driving it indefinitely without stopping for maintenance, would you? The same principle applies to our minds.

Scheduling regular breaks into your daily routine can actually boost productivity and creativity. It gives your brain a chance to rest, process information, and come up with new ideas.

Make it a habit to step away from the hustle and bustle every now and then. Even if it’s just for a few minutes each day, this seemingly unproductive time could be your secret weapon in outpacing the competition in the long run.

9) Mindful consumption

In the digital age, we’re constantly bombarded with information. News, social media, emails, advertisements – it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

But not all information is created equal. Some of it enriches our lives and broadens our horizons, while some just clogs our minds and drains our energy.

That’s why mindful consumption is so important. It’s about being selective about what you consume — whether it’s the food you eat, the media you engage with, or the people you surround yourself with.

Making a conscious choice to only consume what truly nourishes and uplifts you can have a profound impact on your well-being and productivity. And it’s this positive energy and focus that will help you get ahead of everyone else in five years.

10) Persistence

If there’s one thing that can set you apart from everyone else, it’s persistence.

When obstacles arise, as they inevitably will, persistence is what keeps you moving forward. It’s about staying committed to your goals, even when the going gets tough.

Success isn’t always about speed or talent. More often than not, it’s about not giving up, about getting up each time you fall and continuing to push forward.

Make persistence your habit. Because in the long run, it’s not just about starting the race, it’s about staying in it till the finish line.

Final thought: The power lies within you

There is a famous quote by Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” These words ring true even today. The habits you cultivate now will shape your future self.

Whether it’s waking up early, consistently learning, embracing failures or practicing gratitude, each step you take is a brick in the foundation of your future success.

So, as you go forward, remember this: The power to get ahead in life doesn’t lie in some secret formula or magic pill. It lies within you, in your daily habits and choices.

Here’s to a future where you’re not just keeping pace with others, but leading the pack.