Ivy
Five powerful things successful people do: How to Start Today!
“It’s amazing how much Mary gets done in one day!” My boss would often brag out loud about her productivity.” Jealousy ran rampant in the office. It wasn’t long before I started mimicking Mary’s efficiency. Successful people are intentional in what they do. And we are not talking about luck. Disciplined action paired with consistent habits often prevails. Therefore, the answer is in what they plan daily. Mary always had daily to-do lists pinned to her computer. She showed up early and with a good attitude. She always made it a point to ask if anyone wanted coffee. It really is the simple things that get you noticed. If you gave her something to do, she would finish it quickly. No grumbles, no negativity. In addition, she often helped staff when she was caught up. She was a workhorse, plain and simple! Today, we will break down what Mary’s success looks like.
- Keep an Eye on the Clock
Successful people do not waste time. They meticulously slice time like a cake. In addition, they understand that not everything deserves their time. Staying focused is an art form for them. Eliminating distractions and identifying important things matters. Please always focus on the critical matters first. Then work your way down your “To Do List” accordingly. Be ready to say no to entertainment or nonsense. Things like social media scrolling. Or, aimlessly searching through the news. In addition, stay aware of those phone disruptions and texts. Keep a social calendar and a work calendar. Activate notifications on your phone for future meetings or presentations. Utilize AI apps that identify calendar conflicts. Be ready to say no when you do not have time. However, be ready to make concessions for emergencies or family.
Action Steps: Update and use your calendar daily.
- Be a Master at Tasks
All of us get exactly 24 hours a day. Treat time as an asset to be used wisely. Please also keep an eye on time management. Setting boundaries will help move things along. There will always be somebody trying to add tasks to your day. Be mindful to say no and move on. Do not let anyone make you feel bad. Remember, they also have 24 hours just like you. Read my article, ” The Cost of Being Everyone’s Hero.” Here, I detail how to get around blame-filled people. Routines create efficiency. This includes packing lunches. Setting out clothes for the day. Cleaning out your purse or backpack. Optimize by working in time for research or a presentation. Time savers include dropping off mail on your way to the store. Mapping out car trips efficiently knocks things off your To-Do List. Have structured systems in place to get things done quickly. This includes asking someone to drop things off for you. Be intentional with every moment. Don’t paint yourself in a corner by wasting time.
Action Steps: Ask someone to help you run errands.
- Consistency is Key
Build results by staying motivated. Don’t rely on feelings, rely on your decisions. Intentional habits get things done. Take a moment to straighten out your bed every day. Clean out the junk drawer once a month. This helps you have a mental picture of where everything is. Additionally, keep your car keys in one spot and your phone charged. A lot of time is wasted looking for misplaced items or replacing lost chargers. This makes us late for meetings or appointments and makes us feel awful. It gives others the impression that we don’t care. Successful people push on, even when progress feels slow. Consistency creates massive results. Occasional bursts of effort aren’t as powerful as small actions. Sustainable habits help us win the race. People quit too early, expecting immediate gratification. “I’ll do it later” is a cop out, and saying “I’ll do it one day…” is a lie.
Action Steps: Look for progress, not perfection.
- Learning is Growth
Lifelong learners tend to be successful…if they move. Pursue mentors; their experience helps you grow. You will often find successful people reading several books. They hire coaches and enjoy workshops. They are teachable souls even when things are hard to understand. Successful people thrive on progress. Be ready to step outside of your comfort zone and try something different. Challenge yourself, think bigger, pursue goals. Commit to improvement repeatedly. Growth is good even if it is tiring. The NKJV book of Galatians 6:9 explains it this way: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Continue to grow in knowledge; we are meant to progress. Sign up for our May Women’s Workshop on relationships. Growing in relationships is rewarding and helps us feel seen, heard, and understood.
Action Step: Select and read a new book cover to cover.
- Be Results-Oriented
Change your mindset and take responsibility for your life. Embrace both failures and successes. Ask yourself, “What needs to change?” or “What can I do differently?” This empowering mindset makes change happen. Therefore, start seeing challenges as opportunities. Remember, the lesson comes before the victory. Think of setbacks as a stepping stone. However, it’s important to remain humble and honest with yourself. Never take on more than time allows. Be solution-focused instead of quick to blame yourself. New healthy habits take time to plan and implement. The NKJV Bible book of Psalms 118:24 tells us, “24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Therefore, plan for results. Don’t leave things for another day. Eventually, things pile up, making us feel lost.
Action Step: Be ready to ask yourself, “What am I learning in this situation?”
Final Thoughts
Be considerate of yourself; change takes time. Reviewing these five habits will help you build a strong path towards success. Mastering time, tasks, consistency, learning, and results will help you achieve goals. However, these habits take effort and repetition. You will also have to review and replace old patterns. Staying comfortable will make us lazy. Therefore, remember you don’t have to be perfect. You just need to start moving. As Bruce Lee once said, “If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of.”
✨ You’re invited to GROW with us this May! ✨
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🚀 Business Workshop (May 21 or 22)
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Break unhealthy patterns, deepen your self-awareness, and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
Spots are limited, and the energy will be powerful. Don’t miss this! Save your seat now and take the next step this May.
