What I'm reading #32: 10 promises highly successful people make everyday

The average lifespan of a person in a developed nation is 76 years, according to WHO.

I'm 45.

I hopefully have about 30-45 years (optimistically) to live...

I want to live the remainder of my life as happy, healthy and prosperous as I can.

And ensure however much time I have left is well spent.

My profession involves helping super-successful people reach ever greater levels of achievement.

As such, people often ask me, "If there's one thing all successful people have, what is it?"

My answer?

Hunger.

Hunger for 'purpose' and to be more.

To contribute more.

And to embrace change.

Having this 'drive' is far easier said than done.

It requires deep commitment.

Commitment to not only do the best you can but to be the best you can.

Here are 10 promises I've seen others make to themselves, so they can live an amazing life of extraordinary significance:

1. You always respect yourself - and others

Successful people understand self-respect is the foundation of health, wealth and happiness.

They choose to know their worth and always value themselves equal to others.

They value their minds and bodies; eat a balanced and nutritional diet while exercising regularly.

They speak to themselves positively and with compassion, encouragement and passion.

When you have self-respect, you naturally respect others.

They appreciate and respect that everyone has different values and opinions.

2. You always live by your definition of success – not someone else’s

Society tells us that success is fame, business and wealth.

Not me.

Success for me is about 'helping get the best for and from others' - contribution to my profession/community, personal growth and family experiences.

Focus on becoming clear on your own definition of success and build your life around that.

Fulfilment naturally follows.

3. You never lower your standards – for anyone or anything

Successful people never compromise their standards to win the approval of others.

They set their standards and practice them every day.

4. You always believe in yourself

Failing is perhaps the biggest part of becoming successful (sadly, I am exceptionally good at failing)...

With self-belief, no matter how hard you fall, you know you're always going to bounce back.

You must believe that you can achieve your goals, or you won't.

If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will.

5. You never procrastinate

Productivity is key to accomplishment.

Procrastination kills productivity.

Focusing on the purpose of a task has more of a positive impact on your productivity.

Start looking at tasks with a different mindset and ask yourself, "What will I gain if I do this right now?"

6. Never negatively compare yourself to others

Theodore Roosevelt said, "Comparison is the thief of joy".

Comparing yourself to someone is only healthy when you're using it for inspiration to do better and be better.

Your self-worth and self-esteem must stand solid.

There are always going to be people better than you in certain areas, but that's okay.

7. You always set goals

Genuine fulfilment comes from having a sense of purpose that is compelling and meaningful to you.

Setting short-term and long-term goals is crucial for holding yourself accountable and ensuring you're on the right path to your ideal future.

At the beginning of every year, I create an accountability document with my coach from 2BLimitless, which sets my goals and what I want to accomplish for the year ahead.

I have goals for every aspect of my life; family, business, fitness and community.

At the end of each year, I reflect on this document and hold myself accountable for reaching my goals or not.

8. You always improve yourself

Successful people have a growth, rather than a fixed mindset.

This is a belief you can develop yourself for the better and experience more.

For example, always looking to enhance your personal development, by learning new skills and habits.

9. Always be disciplined

Nothing worth having in life comes easy.

Being prepared to work hard and maintain discipline, is what sets you apart from others.

“There are two types of pain you will go through in life. The pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tonnes.” - Jim Rohan

10. Never avoid pain

Personal growth is uncomfortable.

But there's nothing more painful than being stuck experiencing the same thing.

Without the pain, you'll never experience new things and feel truly fulfilled.

Successful people always know they'll come out the other side stronger and wiser than they were before.

We only get one life.

It's short.

You have only one chance to live it to the max.

People are always going to tell you what's possible and what's not.

But you should never let that stand in the way of your dreams.

Choose the life you want to live, don't settle for it.