We’ve all heard the saying, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Yet a recent Gallup study shows that many people are, in fact, not loving their work and are miserable in their jobs, with only 21% of employees engaged at work and 33% thriving in their overall well-being globally. Individually and as a society, we seem to have lost our hope for the future. People want to succeed, but the path to achievement is murky. No one wakes up aiming to be average, but all the messages we receive, consciously and unconsciously, appear to push us to that undistinguishable level.
Where your work meets your life.
4 Things High Achievers Do Differently
How to change your mindset and accomplish more.
January 06, 2023
Illustration by Angelica Alzona
Summary.
High achievers are 400% more productive than the average employee — and they have four things in common. Any of us can customize them to our own lifestyle, not by copying their habits but by emulating their mindsets.
- Tap into your intrinsic motivation. Why did you enter your chosen profession? Getting to the “why” behind your career choice is critical, as it will help you get in touch with your deepest motivations, block out distractions, and potentially adjust (or reengage) with your current path.
- Get comfortable with failure. Some people fear failing, while others fear succeeding. High achievers fear “not trying” more than they fear failing.
- Reinforce your foundation. Despite having done a task or routine countless times, high achievers still work on the basic skills foundational to their current, and future, success.
- Become a lifelong learner — but not necessarily in the classroom. High achievers learn through discussions with mentors, colleagues, peers, and mentees, coupled with reading, observing others, watching videos, and listening to podcasts.