Top 10 Must-Have Habits of Highly Successful Women
Successful women often embrace a shared set of habits. These play a big role in their accomplishments. The habits aren’t just about getting things done. They’re about growing personally and staying resilient in the face of challenges.
Because let’s face it. Women balance A LOT. By adopting these habits, you can positively impact both your career and personal life.
10 Habits For Success in Work and Life
1. Plan Your Week
Plan your week ahead to boost goal achievement, work-life balance, and avoid scheduling surprises.
Here are the key steps:
- Establish a morning routine for productivity and self-care. It sets the tone for each day.
- Plan actions to meet your goals. (pencil in workouts, schedule a team dinner, etc.)
- Note mandatory obligations for the week (kid activities, scheduled meetings, etc.)
- Ensure your priorities are balanced. Are you making time for both impactful work and quality moments with family and friends?
Pro Tip: My husband and I use a shared family Google Calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts and plan ahead effectively.
2. Ask For Help
Listen up moms! You. Can. Not. Do. It. All.
If someone on Instagram appears to have it all together, it’s likely because they’re seeking help behind the scenes. They’ve deliberately chosen not to overextend themselves. Build your support network!
- Ask relatives to help
- Utilize carpool with neighbors
- Get your family involved at home (Use the Routine Chart Pack to help!)
- Pay for services (cleaning, mowing the lawn, etc.)
Speak up and find support. You’ll be better at everything you do for it.
3. Say No And Set Boundaries
Women often struggle to say no. And we all have a friend that seems overrun and exhausted by yesses. But if you want to make time for your goals and priorities, setting boundaries for yourself and your time is crucial.
Someone once told me, “If it’s not a heck yes, it’s a no.” This has become my mantra whenever I’m asked to add to my plate.
In addition, recognize that boundaries set you free. Establish boundaries for:
- Social Media usage
- Involvement in activities
- Managing toxic relationships
- Work/life balance
- Finances and budgeting
4. Follow Essential Self-Care Habits
- Regular Exercise is a non-negotiable part of a successful routine. It boosts cognitive function and mood, and reduces stress.
- Eat well. Focus on whole foods including lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Use a free food planner if it helps.
- Drink plenty of water. Fill up your water bottle right when you get up and aim for about 11.5 cups per day.
- Spend time in nature to further enhance calmness and overall health.
- Enjoy creative hobbies and unplug by engaging in activities that bring joy.
5. Practice Gratitude
Research consistently demonstrates the power of gratitude. It serves as a pathway to increased happiness, fostering positive emotions, better health, resilience, enjoyment of life, and stronger relationships (source).
There are many small ways to incorporate this. Try one of these:
- Make a big list of things you’re grateful for.
- Journal 3 good things that happened to you every night.
- Try a gratitude activity for the entire family.
6. Make Sleep a Priority
Struggling to get 8 hours of sleep? You’re not alone.
A recent study found that over 1 in 3 people aren’t getting enough sleep, leading to reduced self-control, mental fatigue, and other issues.
Your body needs this time to repair and recover.
- Put away screens before bed (read or talk with loved ones instead).
- Cultivate a wind-down routine at night.
- Maintain a consistent bedtime and wakeup schedule.
- Work on getting kids on a solid sleep routine and ask your partner for help with midnight interruptions. (One study from the University of Michigan shows that whether moms work or not, they get up far more often with the kids at night).
7. Invest Your Money
While tracking finances and saving are the first steps to financial growth, they’re not enough. Investing ensures that your money works for you. And there are a multitude of ways to do it:
- Invest in yourself (through education, healthy lifestyle choices, etc.)
- Invest in your business or to advance your career
- Invest in stocks, bonds, or real estate
Note: All investing comes with an element of risk. So, be sure to do your research before jumping in.
8. Manage Stress
Success hinges on recognizing the pivotal role of prevention. To steer clear of burnout, illness, and inflammation, it’s vital to adopt daily habits that manage stress levels.
For example, my morning routine of exercise and meditation is so integrated that I notice my anxiety spike after just two days of skipping it.
But everyone is different. Here are a few more ideas to try:
- A regular bath night (maybe as part of Sunday self care)
- Daily nature walks
- Monthly massages
- A daily check-in with loved ones or friends
9. Embrace Life Long Learning
Successful women embrace learning as a way of life, staying current with trends, and expanding their capabilities.
Several years ago, I participated in a 12-month “read a book a week” challenge. The outcomes were remarkable. It propelled my impact, habits, and income to unforeseen heights in business and life.
- Enroll in courses or workshops
- Join professional networks
- Read regularly or listen to podcasts
- Seek mentorship or coaching
10. Set & Go After Your Goals
Mastering SMART goal setting is the roadmap from point A to B. It’s non-negotiable. These goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely, providing a concrete framework for achievement.
But don’t stop there!
Explore additional habits of successful women that you may consider adopting to foster personal and professional growth.
What’s Next?
Make these habits of successful women work for you by using this free habit tracker. And join the Family Connections newsletter for ongoing tips on self-care and family routines.
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