In our relentless pursuit of victory, it’s not uncommon to look towards those high-flyers who’ve reached the dizzying heights of achievement. We ask ourselves, what’s their secret? Is it their intelligence? Their luck? Their stunning good looks? Or perhaps it’s just their superior ability to resist the lure of viral TikToks?
Well, let’s take a deep dive into the daily lives of these awe-inspiring individuals and fish out their habits – the quiet, everyday rituals that subtly sculpt their path to success.
Explore everything from the chilling thrill of ice baths and cold showers, to the calming embrace of CBD. We’ll delve into the power of words through reading and journaling, and float gently into the zen realm of meditation. And let’s not forget the critical role that physical exercise plays in this symphony of success.
Intrigued? Well, keep those eyes glued right here, my friends, because we’re about to unravel the 5 habits that seem to be the secret handshake of highly successful people. Grab your notebooks, or better yet, open up that journaling app (you’re about to learn why it’s useful), because class is in session!
Habit 1: Embracing the Cold (Ice Bath/Cold Showers)
Alright, folks. It’s time to put on your metaphorical winter coats and dive headfirst into our first habit of success – Embracing the Cold. I know what you’re thinking – ‘Wait, isn’t bathing supposed to be warm, soothing and, well, not teeth-chattering cold?’ Well, yes, but hear me out!
Ice baths and cold showers, much like the sensation they elicit, have been making a splash in the health and wellness community for quite some time. You might have heard about this icy trend from athletes like LeBron James and Tony Robbins, who swear by this chilly practice. But before you brush it off as a bizarre ritual exclusive to the world of sports and self-help gurus, let’s chip away at the ice and look at the facts.
In the stark, shivering world of cold therapy, benefits range from improving mental health to accelerating physical recovery. A study published in the Journal of Medical Hypotheses found that cold showers can act as a form of ‘mild electroshock’ therapy, releasing endorphins and lifting your mood. (6) It’s like pressing the refresh button on your brain, getting it ready to conquer the world.
On the physical front, cold therapy is said to improve circulation, increase metabolism, and reduce muscle inflammation. As per a study in the Journal of Physiology, a post-workout ice bath can help alleviate Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) – a fancy term for that ‘why does everything hurt?’ feeling after a particularly intense workout. (4)
So, how do you incorporate this habit into your life? Start by ending your usual warm showers with a 30-second blast of cold water and slowly increase your tolerance from there. Remember, this isn’t the Ice Bucket Challenge – the goal isn’t to freeze yourself but to introduce a little chill into your routine.
If you’re looking to cool down your stress levels, lift your spirits, and give your physical recovery a frosty boost, it might be time to turn down the heat and embrace the cold.
- Improves mental health
- Accelerates physical recovery
- Improves circulation
- Increases metabolism
- Reduces muscle inflammation
- Boosts the ability to handle stress
To incorporate ice baths or cold showers into your routine:
- Start gradually with shorter durations and less intense temperatures.
- Set a consistent schedule that works for you, whether it's daily or a few times a week.
- Adjust the temperature slowly, decreasing it over time.
- Listen to your body and reduce the duration or temperature if needed.
- Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help manage the cold sensations.
While ice baths can have numerous benefits, it's essential to consider some precautions and potential risks.
First, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as Raynaud's disease or cardiovascular issues, should consult a healthcare professional before attempting ice baths.
It's also important to avoid prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures, as it can lead to frostbite or hypothermia. If you experience numbness, tingling, or severe discomfort during the ice bath, it's advisable to end the session immediately.
Always prioritize your safety and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.
Habit 2: Incorporating CBD into Daily Routines
Let’s slide over from the chilly territory of cold therapy to something a bit more… “chill.” No, we’re not talking about lounging on a beach somewhere in the Bahamas (although that does sound enticing), but we’re moving into the territory of CBD – Cannabidiol if you want to impress your friends at the next trivia night.
CBD, my friends, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. This means it won’t make you feel “high,” but it will leave you feeling calmer, less stressed, and potentially even more focused. Quite the checklist, right?
“But how does one use CBD?” I hear you ask. Well, there’s a buffet of options to choose from, ranging from oils and tinctures to be taken orally, topical creams for local discomfort relief, and even CBD-infused edibles (Gummy bear anyone?).
Now, let’s discuss the why. Why are successful people incorporating CBD into their daily lives? What’s all the buzz about?
First off, CBD is known for its potential to reduce stress. In a study published in the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, CBD was found to significantly reduce stress, cognitive impairment, and discomfort in patients. (1) It’s like a soothing lullaby for your overly excited nerves.
Additionally, if you’re struggling with getting sleep or simply yearning for a more restful night’s sleep, CBD might just be the sheep you need to count. A study published in The Permanente Journal found that CBD could hold benefits for stress and improved sleep. (5)
So, if you’re looking for a holistic, natural way to reduce stress while potentially improving your sleep, incorporating CBD into your daily routine might just be the way to go.
- Promotes relaxation
- Reduces stress
- Elevates mood
- Boosts alertness
- Supports immune wellness
- Promotes peaceful sleep
- Targets recovery
- Add CBD oil to your day by adding a few drops under your tongue or into your coffee, tea, or smoothie.
- Use CBD creams & lotions in your morning or evening skincare routine.
- Add CBD capsules to your supplement regimen.
- Enjoy a mid-day tasty treat by eating a CBD gummy or chocolate square.
- Take a puff of a disposable CBD vape during a break in the day to reset.
- Mix CBD isolate into salad dressings or sauces.
CBD may assist in managing stress levels, improving focus and clarity, and supporting a balanced mindset, which can positively impact personal well-being and productivity in professional pursuits.
Habit 3: Reading and Journaling
From the chill of ice baths and the calm of CBD, we move onto a cozy nook filled with books and the rustle of journal pages. That’s right, we’re diving into the pages of our third success habit: Reading and Journaling.
Just like a balanced diet fuels the body, a healthy dose of reading and journaling nourishes the mind. These seemingly simple activities hold transformative power, enhancing your knowledge, boosting your creativity, honing your writing skills, and yes, bolstering your success!
Let’s take a look at reading first. Reading is like having a conversation with the best minds in history. It expands your worldview, builds your empathy, improves your vocabulary, and is an endless source of inspiration. An interesting study in the journal Science suggested that reading literary fiction improves our understanding of others’ mental states, a crucial skill in navigating complex social relationships. (2) So, it seems that picking up that novel could make you a better friend, partner, or leader!
Now, let’s flip the page to journaling. If reading is input, journaling is output. It’s your mind’s sandbox – a place to play with ideas, explore your thoughts, document your journey, and reflect on your personal growth. The benefits are manifold: from stress relief and increased clarity to better decision-making skills. A study published in Psychotherapy Research found that expressive writing (like journaling) could lead to significant improvements in longer-term emotional well-being. (7)
Merging the art of reading with the practice of journaling can prove to be a winning formula for success. It’s like sowing the seeds of knowledge and watering them with introspection, ready to reap the fruits of wisdom. So, why not curl up with a good book, grab your favorite pen, open up that journal, and get ready to write your own story of success?
- Reading exposes you to new ideas, perspectives, and knowledge, expanding your understanding and enhancing critical thinking skills.
- It can inspire creativity, improve communication skills, and foster empathy, all of which are valuable for personal growth and success.
- Reading also provides opportunities for self-reflection, helping you gain insights and learn from the experiences and wisdom of others.
- Journaling allows you to clarify your thoughts, set goals, and track progress, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.
- It provides a private space for reflection, allowing you to process emotions, solve problems, and gain valuable insights into yourself.
- Regular journaling can boost productivity by organizing thoughts, identifying patterns, and setting actionable steps toward success.
- Reading books related to your field or personal interests expands your knowledge base, improves problem-solving abilities, and stimulates creativity.
- Journaling helps you articulate your goals, identify obstacles, and create actionable plans, leading to increased focus and motivation.
- By integrating reading and journaling into your daily routine, you can develop a habit of continuous learning, self-reflection, and intentional progress toward achieving your goals, ultimately enhancing productivity and increasing the likelihood of success.
Habit 4: Daily Meditation
From the dynamic dialogue of reading and journaling, we now journey into the quiet, reflective realm of meditation. If success is the destination, consider meditation your trusty GPS, helping you navigate the winding roads of life with a sense of calm and clarity.
Meditation is the practice of training your mind, much like you’d train your body at the gym. But instead of lifting weights, you’re lifting your awareness and understanding of yourself and the world around you. It can take many forms, from focused attention and mindfulness to loving-kindness and transcendental meditation.
So, why do successful people make time to meditate amidst their jam-packed schedules? Simple. The benefits of regular meditation are scientifically backed and manifold. According to research published in the Journal of Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience, meditation can help reduce anxiety and stress, increase focus, and even improve memory and cognitive flexibility. (8)
Indeed, many successful people have embraced meditation as part of their daily routine. Media mogul Oprah Winfrey, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, and LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner, to name just a few, have all spoken openly about the significant role meditation plays in their personal and professional lives.
Meditation helps clear the mind’s clutter, turning the cacophony of daily life into a harmonious symphony. It gives you a moment to pause, breathe, and realign with your goals, dreams, and your true self. If you’re aiming to ascend the heights of success, incorporating meditation into your daily routine could be a real game-changer.
Successful habits provide structure, discipline, and consistency, leading to improved productivity, goal attainment, and personal development.
Daily meditation promotes mental clarity, reduces stress, enhances focus, cultivates self-awareness, and fosters a positive mindset—all of which are beneficial for achieving success.
By combining successful habits and meditation, you can develop a focused and disciplined mindset, reduce distractions, increase productivity, and align your actions with your goals, leading to improved goal attainment and overall success.
Habit 5: Exercise and Physical Health
From the calmness of meditation, we’ll now break a sweat as we jog into the vibrant world of physical health and exercise. Just as a car runs better with regular tune-ups, our bodies and minds function optimally when we prioritize regular physical activity.
Exercise isn’t just about building muscles or chasing after that elusive six-pack (though those can be wonderful bonuses). Regular physical activity plays a key role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, exercise has been linked to a host of benefits, including improving mood, enhancing cognitive function, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and even boosting longevity. (3)
It’s no secret that many successful people prioritize regular physical activity. Consider Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, who credits his daily fitness routine with giving him four extra hours of productive time each day.
The types of exercise preferred by successful people can vary as widely as their industries. It could be anything from hitting the weights, practicing yoga, running, or even high-intensity sports. The key is to find an activity that you enjoy, so it becomes less of a chore and more of a joyful daily habit.
Exercising regularly is like signing a contract with your future self, promising better health, sharper cognition, elevated mood, and increased stamina. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good and performing at your peak — both of which are crucial to achieving and sustaining success.
Exercise improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, enhances immune function, and promotes mental well-being through the release of endorphins.
Daily exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, boosts energy levels, improves sleep quality, and enhances overall physical function.
Regular exercise increases energy levels, improves mental clarity, and reduces stress, leading to increased productivity, improved focus, and a greater ability to handle challenges effectively, ultimately contributing to overall success in various aspects of life.
What's Stopping You From Taking The First Step?
We’ve taken quite the journey, haven’t we? We started by braving the icy waters of cold therapy, moved onto the relaxing rhythms of CBD use, delved into the enlightening world of reading and journaling, found tranquility in daily meditation, and ended with the invigorating thrill of regular exercise. These habits, as diverse as they are, form the roadmap that many successful people follow to reach the zenith of their potential.
Cold showers or ice baths are not just about the jolting awakening; they’re a lesson in resilience, a physical manifestation of stepping out of our comfort zones, which translates to mental fortitude over time.
Incorporating CBD into daily life can provide a sense of calm in our ever-busy, always-on-the-go lives. It’s a nod to self-care, emphasizing the importance of mental health and wellbeing in our pursuit of success.
Reading and journaling, the dynamic duo of knowledge acquisition and reflection, remind us that success doesn’t occur in a vacuum. It’s built on a foundation of continuous learning, self-awareness, and thoughtful introspection.
Daily meditation, much like a lighthouse in the storm, can guide us through the tempestuous seas of stress and anxiety. It helps us cultivate a keen sense of focus and equanimity, essential traits on the path to success.
Finally, regular physical exercise is the non-negotiable contract with our bodies, ensuring we maintain the vitality and stamina necessary to take on the challenges of our ambitious goals.
Embracing these habits won’t magically turn you into a house-hold known successful person overnight. However, they can offer you valuable tools to carve your path to success. Remember, success is a journey, not a destination, and these habits are your travel companions. Give them a try, tweak them to fit your lifestyle, and watch as they contribute to your growth, wellbeing, and triumph.
So, why not plunge into that ice bath, or roll out that yoga mat, or pick up that dusty journal? Your journey towards success begins with a single step, or in this case, a single habit. It’s time to embrace the journey and become the best version of you possible!
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Works Cited
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2. Kidd, David C., and Emanuele Castano. “Reading literary fiction improves theory of mind.” PubMed, 18 October 2013, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24091705/. Accessed 23 May 2023.
3. Lear, Scott A., et al. “The effect of physical activity on mortality and cardiovascular disease in 130 000 people from 17 high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: the PURE study.” PubMed, 16 December 2017, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28943267/. Accessed 23 May 2023.
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