This article comes from Entrepreneur.

Simple Steps for Building Habits That Guarantee Success

Everyone knows what it’s like to go to bed feeling mad at yourself for failing to follow through on what you intended to do that day. What if you could accomplish everything you wanted without thinking? That’s what habits can do for you. Here’s how to cultivate the discipline and consistency to achieve all of your goals.

1. Start with your purpose.

Your daily actions need to be based on a vision and deep passion within yourself. The most successful people have a far higher purpose than just success, which burns deep within them.

First, you have to identify your soul’s purpose. Get really clear on why you want to accomplish your goal, then reconnect to that purpose every day.

2. Use this trick to identify the right habits.

Most people ask, “How do I get there from here?” Instead, ask yourself: “If I were already there, what would I be doing?” If you were already running that seven-figure business, what would you do (and not do) with your time? What beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and actions would be in place?

You’ll fail to integrate habits if they aren’t the right ones. So stop, take a minute, and clarify how you would show up every day. What time would you wake up every day? Who would you spend time with? What routines would be in place? Write it down in full-color detail, then start thinking and acting accordingly. Then all you have to do is let your reality catch up to who you already are. The only way to be there is to be there.

3. Notice your every move.

You have to be that person in all areas of life, from the big things to the little ones. With every move you make, press pause and ask yourself: “What would the next-level me do here?” “Would I go to bed at that time?” “Would I treat my body or others that way?”

Deep down, you already know how to be this person. It’s not that hard; it just takes courage and repeatedly stepping outside your comfort zone.

4. Do this one thing first every day.

In every area of life, there is one habit that moves the needle most. For my business, it’s writing my daily blog post. So I don’t let myself do any other work until that’s done. Every day, no exceptions. I don’t worry about whether I feel inspired or know what to write, because the rule is the rule. Repeatedly putting that first changed my business more than anything.

If you could only do one thing to move yourself forward in a particular area, what would it be? Even if you think you don’t know, you do. You may just need to spend a few minutes excavating it from your soul.

5. Create a daily plan with this formula.

To complete the rest of your important tasks and still have time for life, you need to know your priorities and stick to them. Start by identifying the big things you need to do in the next six to 12 months. Then determine what you must do each month, week, and day to get there.

Each day, get honest with yourself about what actually matters today, with no more than three important tasks; then do those first.

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