Building a life, you love takes many years of making good decisions, in your professional, personal, and creative capacity. But there are certain shortcuts available to everyone, handed down from those of us who have gone before.

Successful people set themselves up for the win in a few ways and there are habits that almost all of them have put into place. And learning from the people whose actions we admire is the quickest way to get to where we dream of!

The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Reliable research suggests that nearly 50% of self-made millionaires get out of bed a minimum of three hours before their workday begins. How they use this extra time varies, but most spend it tackling personal projects, planning their days, or exercising.

Getting up at 5 am to deal with the most important three things you want to accomplish in the next 24 hours will give you a massive sense of control. It will also imbue you with confidence as you prove that you do actually have the power to direct your life.

Read, Read, Read

Reports indicate that wealthy members of our society are spending at least half an hour on educating themselves, self-improvement via reading. Granted, it’s not always entertainment, with biographies, history, and self-help literature featuring largely, but even a good novel counts! The important life lessons that you can use to make your life better areas available in works of fiction as they are in texts designed specifically to address a specific person’s experiences or a particular issue.

Create Quiet Time

By and large, most successful people spend between 15 and 30 minutes every day on focused thinking. These can be reflections on their careers, meditations on their overall health, or contemplating the state of their personal relationships. Additionally, quiet periods set aside to analyze what’s going on in your life are hugely associated with lower stress levels.

Even if you spend your quiet time indulging in what you feel are the best games around, make sure you prioritize it. Whatever is meant for you will work.

A Healthy Body Means a Healthy Mind

Working out often will clear your head and motivate you, as study after study has proven. By and large, people who are enjoying positive outcomes in their lives are carving out time for aerobic exercise, so you should include this in your daily regimen. Richard Branson, for example, has reported that his tennis and cycling have more than doubled his productivity!

Judge a Man by the Company He Keeps

Spend time with people who inspire you and cut out those that don’t. It’s time to start getting choosy about who’s in your inner circle. Limit exposure to toxic, negative people and actively seek out those who support and inspire you in everything you do – from work to playing the games you love.

Pursue Your Own Goals

Refer to your list of short-, intermediate-, and long-term goals often and make changes or celebrate successes as needed. Find your own goals, follow your own dreams, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!