Some people are always learning new things, pushing outside their comfort zones, and taking on challenges most people would find daunting. It’s exhausting and kind of scary to think about, about, but those are the people who tend to get ahead in life. So, how do they do it? Most of them tend to have these daily habits. You might even want to adopt some yourself!
1. They don’t make excuses, they make it happen.
Tired? It’s time for a workout. Don’t feel like it? Still gotta write that report. Don’t know how to do something? Time to learn! People who are consistently pushing themselves focus on finding solutions, not wallowing in why something is inconvenient or difficult. They understand that reasons for not doing things are endless, but results require action. Go-getters tend to be a lot happier in life, Psychology Today notes, largely because they’re always chasing their dreams!
2. They view failure as a stepping stone.
Messing up isn’t fun, obviously, but it’s seen as an opportunity. Instead of crumbling or giving up, they analyze what went wrong, learn from the stumble, and use that knowledge to fuel their next attempt. Each “failure” gets them closer to finding what actually works. There’s no shame, just a relentless determination to keep refining and improving.
3. They seek discomfort on purpose.
Complacency is the enemy! These people deliberately put themselves in challenging situations that force growth. Signing up for a public speaking workshop even though it terrifies them? Learning a language on their own just for the mental workout? They understand that staying cozy keeps you stagnant, but leaning into the uncomfortable stretches your capabilities and builds confidence over time.
4. They set ridiculously ambitious goals — and actually go after them.
Playing it safe isn’t in their vocabulary. They dream big and break down those goals into smaller, actionable steps. It’s about audacious targets that ignite their passion and a concrete plan to turn the impossible into reality. Sure, they might not achieve everything they set out to do, but they’ll wind up miles ahead of where they would’ve been if they’d never aimed high at all.
5. They surround themselves with people who inspire and challenge them.
You become the average of the five people you spend the most time with, remember? People who are always pushing themselves ditch energy vampires and seek out friends, mentors, and collaborators who elevate them. It’s about surrounding themselves with people who also operate on a frequency of “What’s next?” and celebrating each other’s successes along the way.
6. They prioritize growth over perfection.
Waiting until they’re “perfect” before taking action? Yeah, that’s never going to happen. They embrace the messiness of learning, focusing on progress, not some unattainable ideal. This allows them to try new things without their inner critic getting in the way, building those mental muscles of resilience and adaptability.
7. They’re voraciously curious about the world.
They’re always reading, asking questions, seeking to understand. Stagnation is boring! They have diverse interests, a constant thirst for knowledge, and aren’t afraid to dive into disciplines completely unfamiliar to them. That hunger for learning opens up new avenues for growth they wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.
8. They make personal development a non-negotiable.
Just like showering and brushing your teeth, they carve out time for activities that fuel their growth. This could be reading, taking online courses, listening to audiobooks, or therapy. The specifics matter less than the consistent dedication to leveling themselves up. Improving their mindset is just as important as improving their skill set.
9. “I haven’t learned that…yet” is their motto when faced with something unfamiliar.
They don’t shy away from a task because they don’t know how initially. “Yet” is the key word! It implies a growth mindset: knowledge and skills are acquired through effort, not magically bestowed. They approach new challenges with the confidence that if someone else can do it, eventually, they can too.
10. They focus on consistency over intensity.
It’s not about unsustainable bursts of superhuman effort. They value sustainable habits they can maintain long-term even when motivation wanes. Small, daily actions compound into huge results over time. Showing up consistently, even for short periods when life gets crazy, beats the occasional frenzy of effort followed by burnout.
11. They don’t compare their journey to anyone else’s.
They’re too focused on their own goals and progress to get sidetracked by what others are doing. Comparison is the thief of joy and breeds unhealthy competition that ultimately distracts from their own objectives. Sure, others might inspire them, but the only benchmark they’re truly measuring against is their past self.
12. They’re not afraid to ask for help when they need it.
Seeking guidance or admitting they don’t have all the answers isn’t seen as a weakness. It’s strategic! Reaching out to experts, mentors, or even just a supportive friend helps them get further faster and avoids wasting time trying to reinvent the wheel. It acknowledges that there’s strength, not shame, in collaboration.
13. They don’t equate “rest” with “laziness.”
Taking time to recharge, mentally and physically, is essential for sustained high performance over the long run. They plan downtime just as deliberately as their workouts or work sessions. Whether it’s a full tech detox for a day, a relaxing nature walk, or just curling up with a good book, they understand that strategic breaks prevent burnout and allow them to come back even stronger.
14. They don’t let fear stop them from taking calculated risks.
Fear is present, but it’s not in the driver’s seat. They assess potential risks realistically, weigh the consequences of action versus inaction, and then make a decision. Sometimes that means going for it even though it’s scary, because they understand that the regret of never trying is often far worse than the potential for failure.
15. They’re relentlessly optimistic (but not irritatingly so).
They’re not delusional; they understand challenges exist, but their focus is on finding solutions and possibilities. This optimism is infectious, attracts supporters to their cause, and keeps their spirits up when obstacles are inevitably encountered. It’s about believing in a positive outcome, even if the path to get there isn’t fully mapped out yet, Psych Central explains.
16. They turn envy into inspiration.
Seeing someone else succeed doesn’t make them feel bitter; it lights a fire under them! They analyze the other person’s success to pinpoint actionable strategies they can adapt for themselves, using it as a roadmap instead of resenting someone else’s hard-earned achievement.
17. They celebrate every milestone, even the small ones.
Reaching a major goal? Of course, that deserves a celebration! But they also make time to acknowledge the tiny wins along the way. This helps them stay motivated, reinforces positive habits, and maintains their momentum on their journey of self-improvement. Acknowledging progress, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is like fuel to keep them moving forward.
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