From The Straits Times    |

habits of young successful happy women

Image: Showbit.com

#1 Adapt well to change and criticism
While you might notice that most successful people have gotten to where they are due to an insane amount of drive, conviction and some degree of luck, what you don’t often see are the hurdles and failures along the way. 

What sets a successful individual apart from the rest is the ability to be flexible when the situation calls for it (think last minute plans or unforeseen emergencies), as well as the ability to take constructive criticism well and use it to improve your work or business.

#2 Know how to take breaks
It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of work, especially since getting started on the path to success requires a fair bit of personal sacrifice in this digital world we live in. The need to be constantly available can take its toll. 

It’s no surprise to most of us that while working too hard might help you shine and get ahead in the short run, it will burn you out just as quickly. Unplugging once in awhile isn’t just good for your health, it’s also good for your productivity, whether it’s to relax and refocus, or just reenergise for the next hectic wave of work.

#3 Love yourself
We’re not talking narcissistic extremes here, but something that’s incredibly important in the journey to success is the element of unconditional self-love. It’s not just about loving yourself when things are going well, but also being able to love yourself when things are rough.

In a way, being confident about who you are gives yourself the courage to take risks and chase your dreams, because you will still respect yourself even if the endeavours don’t always pan out. This self-love is a large part of what gives you the strength to embrace setbacks as part of the journey.

#4 Have a good support system
Keep close the friends you treasure, whether they are friends who bring out the best in you, friends who are unwavering pillars of strength, or friends who possess qualities you admire. 

Making time for your friends and family shouldn’t be an afterthought, as they are the people you need in your life to keep you focused and sane. Good friends and family will know how to challenge you and provide fresh perspectives while keeping you grounded, all of which will help you become a better person.

#5 Savour the journey
Being successful is never just about the end game. Sure, you might have a goal and vision of where you want to be in five or 10 years, but there’s no point in working towards that dream if you don’t enjoy the ride as well. You don’t have to enjoy the tough and trying times, but without bright spots to light your path, where’s the joy in succeeding?

#6 Don’t be afraid to push boundaries
No risk, no reward. How many successful people got to where they are by going with the flow or doing everything they were told? Being a good leader, whether you’re part of a company or your own boss, isn’t about catering to the comfort about everyone around you or constantly asking for permission. You shouldn’t be afraid to take some risks or push some boundaries if it’s for a good reason.

#7 Have other interests
Interests, or passions, are the things that get you out of bed in the morning. While being incredibly passionate about your work (especially if you run your own business) is a great thing, it also pays to keep your interests a little more diverse. 

Like the saying goes, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. If your job is the only thing you have time to be passionate about, having a hard time at work might leave you feeling severely unmotivated without another passion to get you out of your funk. 

Having a variety of hobbies and interests is also a good way to keep your mind working and learning different things. We’ve all been there; sometimes working on something unrelated is all it takes to get you out of a mental rut.