10 habits of high achievers who never work hard

Ever feel like you’re working your socks off and still not hitting those big goals? You’re definitely not alone.

We’ve all heard about those super successful people who seem to work every waking hour. But guess what? That’s not the only way to make it big.

Believe it or not, some high achievers get to the top without burning the midnight oil.

It’s more about working smart, not just hard.

Let’s dive into the 10 habits of high-achievers who don’t work hard, but still always come out on top.

1. They Prioritize

Ever heard the saying, “You can’t do everything”? Well, high-achievers who don’t work hard take this to heart.

They know that not all tasks are created equal. Some things are just more important than others.

Instead of trying to do a million things at once, they focus on what really matters. They make a list of their tasks, then they rank them.

The most important tasks go to the top of the list.

The less important ones? They can wait.

This way, they get the big stuff done without burning out. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, stop and prioritize. It’s a game-changer!

You got it! Here comes habit number two:

2. They Delegate

High achievers who don’t work hard are masters of this trick. They know they can’t do it all, and they’re totally fine with that. Why? Because they understand the power of delegation.

Whether it’s at home or at work, they’re not afraid to pass tasks onto others. They find people who can handle certain tasks even better than they can. Then, they hand over the reins.

By doing this, they free up their own time to focus on what they’re really good at. So, don’t be afraid to delegate.

Remember, it’s not about being lazy, it’s about being efficient!

3. They Take Breaks

Now, this one might sound a bit counterintuitive. I mean, how can taking breaks help you achieve more?

Well, let me share a little story.

A while back, I was working on a complex project. I was pulling long hours and skipping breaks to get it done. But guess what? My productivity was nosediving and my stress levels were through the roof.

Then I read about the power of taking breaks. I decided to give it a shot. I started taking short breaks every hour or so – just a quick walk around the block or a cup of tea.

My productivity shot up, my stress levels dropped, and my work quality improved.

High achievers who don’t work hard know this secret. They understand that our brains need downtime to recharge and generate new ideas.

4. They Say No

High achievers who don’t work hard have mastered the art of saying no. They understand that their time is valuable and they can’t do everything.

Did you know that Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors of all time, credits his success to the power of saying no?

He once said, “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”

By saying no to things that aren’t important or don’t align with their goals, high achievers free up time and energy for the things that truly matter.

5. They Cherish Relationships

High achievers who don’t work hard understand the value of relationships – be it family, friends, coworkers, or mentors.

They know that success isn’t just about what you achieve, but also who you share your achievements with.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and push relationships to the back burner.

But these high achievers ensure they make time for their loved ones.

The support, encouragement, and love we receive from our relationships fuel our motivation and enrich our lives.

And let’s face it, success feels a whole lot sweeter when we have people to celebrate it with.

Remember to cherish your relationships. They’re not just good for the heart, they’re good for success too. 

6. They Embrace Mistakes

We’re often taught that making mistakes is a bad thing. But high achievers who don’t work hard see things differently. They view mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.

I used to be terrified of making mistakes, always striving for perfection.

But then, I realized that this fear was holding me back. It was keeping me from taking risks and trying new things.

So, I decided to change my perspective. I started embracing my mistakes instead of fearing them. And guess what? It was liberating! I started learning more, growing more, and achieving more.

Remember, no one is perfect. We all stumble and fall. But it’s those stumbles that help us learn to walk and then run towards our goals. So don’t fear mistakes, embrace them. 

7. They Look After Themselves

High achievers who don’t work themselves into the ground put a huge emphasis on self-care.

They aren’t all about hustle, grind, repeat. They understand something crucial – that they are their most important asset.

And if they run themselves ragged, they’re not going to be at their best.

They make sure to eat right, stay active, get enough sleep and take time out for things they enjoy.

And it’s not just about keeping the doctor away. It’s about feeling good, having energy, being able to think clearly, and staying motivated.

So, let’s be honest with ourselves. Are we taking care of ourselves as we should? Or are we too caught up in chasing success that we’re neglecting our own well-being?

Self-care isn’t selfish – it’s necessary!

8. They’re Lifelong Learners

High achievers who don’t work hard are always eager to learn. They know that knowledge is power and that the more they learn, the more they can achieve.

Did you know that Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, reads about 50 books a year? That’s roughly a book a week! He attributes much of his success to his love for learning.

These high achievers understand that there’s always something new to learn, a skill to develop, or an idea to explore. They stay curious and open-minded, and they never stop learning.

Embrace the habit of lifelong learning. It not only makes you more successful but also keeps life exciting and fulfilling. 

9. They Practice Gratitude

High achievers who don’t work hard are often very good at being grateful. They appreciate what they have while they strive for what they want.

A few years back, I started a simple routine of writing down three things I was grateful for each day. It was a small thing, but it changed my perspective.

I began to see the good in every day, no matter how tough things got. It boosted my mood, reduced stress, and motivated me to work smarter towards my goals.

Consider taking a few moments each day to appreciate what you have. It might just give you the boost you need to achieve more without burning yourself out!

10. They’re Not Afraid to Ask for Help

We often think that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

High achievers who don’t work themselves ragged know when they’re in over their heads. They’re not ashamed to ask for help when they need it. They understand that we can’t be experts at everything and that sometimes, we need a little assistance.

Let’s drop the ego, shall we? It’s okay to ask for help. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or incompetent. It means you’re smart enough to know your limits and brave enough to reach out when you need assistance.

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Picture of Lachlan Brown

Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the editor of Ideapod and founder of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 6 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. If you to want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Twitter or Facebook.

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