15 Habits that take you far

Sometimes, to become successful and get closer to the person we can become, we don’t necessarily need to add more things we need to focus on some of them. There are certain things that are universal, which will make you successful if you focus on them, even though each one of us could have a different definition of success. It begins with your habits. Here are some habits you can think on to take you far where ever you go.

1.    Listening. 

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand but they listen with the intent to reply ― Steve R Covey

Many arguments, misunderstandings and mistakes are highly avoidable when we spend more time to listen. In group settings listening will save you from saying something stupid and embarrassing yourself because of expressing your perspectives, thoughts, and opinions before listening.

2.    Not caring too much about other’s opinions.

People have a right to their opinion and you have a right to ignore it ― Prudence Madzadzavara

Opinions are easy. You just open your mouth and blab the first thing that comes to you. Hashtag opinions are cheap. Most people give an opinion based on their best interests, not yours. They project their fears and failures on you. Ignore them. Taraji P Henson American actress and author was 26 when she moved to California to pursue acting and people said she wasn’t going to make It because she was over 25 which was the ceiling age to make it big on screens. Worse still she was a single mother trying to do college and acting. She didn’t listen to the nay Sayers and graduated her diploma and degree. Today she is one of Hollywood’s highest paid actresses.

 3.    Not spending/drinking mindlessly

Mindless habitual behavior is the enemy of innovation― Rosabeth Moss Kanter

 Investing your thoughts, finances and time in your vision brings you success in what you are trying to achieve in the long run. The opposite of this which is buying more stuff/drinking mindlessly achieves nothing. It gets you to the temporary state of delusional euphoria, but you will end up feeling worse later. When the false sense of happiness goes away, know that the money you spent to secure it along with your future is gone, too. Successful people don’t drink or spend mindlessly and that’s what takes them far.

4.    Throwing out the emotive person.

No matter the situation never let your emotions empower your intelligence ― Prudence Madzadzavara

This applies to any emotions. It’s okay to celebrate when you’re happy and cry when you’re upset, but never make big decisions that will affect other areas of your life, financial, health, relationships based on emotions. Emotional intelligence can greatly impact your work life and career, so it's important to understand exactly what it is and why it is so important. Every workplace is comprised of people with different strengths, personalities and emotions, which can greatly affect the way they work. Every time you want to burst out emotionally consider how much harm than help to yourself you are creating. Throw the emotive person out and let the objective person in you take over. Keep your emotive person in check it will take you far in life.

5.    Having lots of Patience

Patience is not the ability to wait but how you act whilst you are waiting ―Joyce Meyer

A man received this message from his neighbor...

"Sorry sir, I have been using your wife day and night when you are not at home, in fact, much more than you do. I confess this now because I am feeling very guilty. Hope you will accept my sincere apologies." I will pay if you wish to charge service fee. Immediately after reading the message, the man shot his wife dead.

A few minutes later, he received another message:

"Sorry sir, a spelling mistake... I meant WiFi not Wife."

Patience is a Virtue, it will take you far.

6.    Healthy Living.

Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live in ― Jim Rohn

Your mind, body and spirit health is your own responsibility. When your body fails, your heart stops beating, your time is up. Healthy habits keep you whole, sane, happy and add more years to you. Stay away from things that harm your body and there are only three things you need to keep in mind: 1. Healthy Diet 2. Physical Activity 3.Spirituality . Small steps, but you will thank yourself one day.

7.    Stepping Up

It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand ― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

Taking Responsibility doesn’t mean it is your fault if something bad or tragic happens to you. What it means is that no matter what happens in your life, you are 1000% responsible over how you react or respond. Make the best decision you possibly can with the cards you are dealt and that takes you far.

8.    Asking for What You Want

Ask for what you want and be prepare to get it ― Maya Angelou

Every successful person I’ve met understands that no one is just going to walk up to them and give them what they are looking for. In order to be successful you can’t be afraid of asking for exactly what you want. Have a crush on somebody? Ask them out. Think you deserve a raise at your job? Talk to your boss. The only thing holding you back from the life you want is yourself.

 9.    Saying No

Its only by saying no that you concentrate on the things that are really important. ― Steve Jobs

You will not get anywhere saying yes to everybody. Avoid being a people pleaser. You don’t have to participate in anything you don’t want to. If someone close to you asks you to do something that is against your values, say no, apologise for nothing and explain nothing instead of trying to please them. The person that understands will not be hurt. The person that loves you will not ask you to justify your no and the person that wants the best for you will not patronize you for saying no.

 10. Doing more

Successful people are not gifted. They just work Hard and succeed on purpose ― Pinterest

Putting your back in the work and not procrastinating will take you far. Procrastination is the enemy of productivity and a successful life. If you want to get something done focus on the reasons why you need it completed. Remind yourself that the reward is worth the work.

11. Never too old and never too young attitude.

Live your life and forget your age ―Norman Vincent Peale

You’re never too young or old start doing what you need to do now. Don’t look at your age and disqualify yourself. Always believe that you’re old enough start doing what you need to do now. The most important thing is to start. Success is an equal opportunity sport for all ages. Start playing the game now and redefine success on your own terms.

 12. Stepping outside the Comfort Zone

You can do it. You shall do it, end of story ― Prudence Madzadzavara

Every time you are confronted with an unimaginable frontier don’t cower away. Ask your self why the hell not! You can’t be afraid to take some risks in life. If you don’t, you’ll never discover your true potential.

13.  Being Flexible

 The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways ― Robert Greene, Mastery

People with a fixed mindset think their intelligence or talents are simply fixed traits, and that talent alone leads to success without hard work. They’re wrong. Successful people know this. They invest an immense amount of time on a daily basis to develop a growth mindset, acquire new knowledge, learn new skills and change their perception so that it can benefit their lives and take them far. Remember, who you are today, it’s not who you have to be tomorrow.

14. Avoiding Multi-tasking

You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks ― Winston S. Churchill

Successful people know this. That’s why they choose one thing and then beat it into submission. No matter what it is a business idea, a conversation, or a workout. Science has proven that only 2 percent of us can really multitask efficiently. So just give it up already. Being fully present and committed to one task, is indispensable and it takes you far.

15. Giving Up The Toxic People

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with ― Jim Rohn

People we spend the most time with, add up to who we become. There are people who are less accomplished in their personal and professional life, and there are people who are more accomplished than us. If you spend time with those who are behind you, your average will go down, and with it, your success.But if you spend time with people who are more accomplished than you, no matter how challenging that might be, you will become more successful. Take a look at around you, and see if you need to make any changes.

Pushing Boundaries…

To read more of Prudence’s articles please visit her website www.prudencem.com

?All content and images herein are owned or licensed by Prudence Madzadzavara or her affiliates. Unauthorized use is prohibited