10 habits of highly successful people

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“Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny,” said Gandhi famously.

While one may contend that the world of tech-enabled, fast-moving fads is vastly different from the one in which the doyen of non-violence lived, it has been proven time and again that all great leaders swear by some personal rules that they say help them reach the pinnacle of success.

Here’s a list of good habits very successful people made part of their lives. It is by no means exhaustive, but rather a highlight reel of their common practices.

Wake up early

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Your mother was right. Everyone from Tim Cook to Jeff Immelt to Indra Nooyi make it a habit to use the wee hours of the morning to set the mood for their day ahead, or simply indulge in their hobbies. Howard Schultz likes to wake up at 4.30 in the morning and take his dogs out for a walk.

Read

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Yes, we are all busy, but if Thomas Jefferson and Winston Churchill found time to read while shaping the destiny of countries, we can surely manage. Knowledge is power, and reading is the best way to gain it. Mark Zuckerberg read two books a month in 2015 on everything from religion to science to politics, and even formed a book club.

Exercise

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Again, your mother was right. A healthy body supports a healthy mind and helps you concentrate. Barack Obama exercises for 45 minutes a day, six days per week. Bill Gates hits the treadmill, while Anna Wintour plays tennis.

Chart out your day

Take regular feedback

Don’t pretend to be busy

Hire people with superior skills

Be charitable

Sleep well