Here are 5 Habits of Successful People

Have you ever wondered “Why is Elon Musk so successful?” or “How did Taylor Swift become so influential?” Spoiler alert: it’s not just raw talent or luck. From entertainment to entrepreneurship, the most successful people in the business built habits early on in their careers. University is the peak time for you to hop on these practices, not just for success in academia, but also to succeed in your chosen profession. 

It’s not just a solo mission either. When you become successful, you inspire your friends and peers too! Think of it as a win-win situation. You get to ace your exams, boost your mental health and feel a sense of satisfaction, all whilst encouraging those around you to step up their game. 
 

But how do we measure success? Ultimately, that’s up to you to decide. But it’s not just about getting good exam results or a high-paying job. True success is about achieving your personal goals. It’s about feeling fulfilled in life and being able to meet your wants and needs. So if you’re ready to become the best version of yourself, dive in and discover the 5 habits of successful people.

 

Setting clear, achievable goals is the first step to success. Start by thinking about where you want to be in ten years' time and then come up with smaller, more achievable goals to get there. For example, you might need a certain internship or specific grades, which can then be divided into even smaller goals, such as sticking to your study schedule or applying to one internship a week. By doing this, you’re kept motivated and focused because you’ve envisioned the bigger picture. Not only does it make your goal less daunting, but it also allows you to track your progress and celebrate the small victories along the way. Remember, it’s a marathon and not a sprint – success doesn’t happen overnight.
 

Some of the most successful people swear by early mornings. By waking up early, you get a head start on the day, providing uninterrupted time to tackle even more tasks before the world wakes up. 

 

Whilst waking up early is one of the most important habits to get into, sleeping enough (around 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night) is also crucial for academic success. A well-rested mind is sharper, more creative, and better at retaining information—crucial for those late-night study sessions and early-morning lectures.
 

Whether it’s a personal interest or related to your field of study, make it a habit to learn something new every day. This continuous learning keeps your mind sharp and adaptable – qualities that are highly valued in any profession. Similarly, having a bank of information in your head is great for socialising. You’ll have extensive knowledge so you can confidently input your thoughts into a wider range of conversations.

 

From podcasts and books to online courses, there’s a wealth of resources available to help you with this. The more knowledge you acquire, the more confident and capable you’ll become. Plus, everyone will want to be on your team for that weekly pub quiz!
 

Being organised is a game-changer. It improves your time management, reduces stress and increases efficiency, all factors that contribute to how successful you are. 

Start by decluttering your study space; after all, an organised environment is an organised mind. It also gets rid of any distractions, improving your concentration and productivity. 

There are plenty of tools that can help you feel organised too, depending on how your brain works. From to-do lists and apps, including MyStudyLife, to physical planners, you can easily keep track of deadlines, assignments and other responsibilities.
 

Believe it or not, networking isn’t just for business majors. Building strong relationships with your peers, professors and industry professionals can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support and guidance. There are so many ways to network, too! You could attend events, join student organisations or participate in group projects to meet new people and expand your circle. The connections you make in university can become lifelong friends and professional contacts, helping you long after graduation. 

 

There you have it – the 5 habits of successful people that can propel you towards graduate success and beyond. Keep your goals in mind, stay organised and never stop learning. And most importantly, always be kind and connect with as many people as possible—you never know who might be interviewing you for future positions!
 

Looking for the perfect environment to build these habits? Check out our student housing in Edinburgh where you can meet new people and achieve your goals.