People who always move forward in life share these 7 simple habits

We all know them – those individuals who just seem to have a knack for success. The ones who, regardless of the setbacks they encounter, always appear to be moving forward, achieving their goals, and making progress in all areas of their lives.

Have you ever wondered what sets these people apart? What is it about their daily habits or mindset that propels them towards continuous growth and achievement?

Well, today, we hope to give some answers. We’ll explore seven simple habits that people who always move forward in life tend to share.

Best of all, these practices are not complex or out of reach. They are everyday routines, attitudes, and principles that anyone can adopt to start seeing a positive shift in their life trajectory.

Let’s dive in.

1) They set clear goals

Do you know where you’re headed in life?

If your answer is a vague “somewhere”, then you’re already falling behind.

One of the key habits these individuals share is the practice of setting clear, achievable goals.

As the Stoic philosopher Seneca told us, “When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.” (Ad Lucilium Epistulae Morales,1917)

Having a clear goal doesn’t just give you a destination to aim for—it provides a roadmap for your journey. It keeps you motivated and focused, and it helps you measure your progress along the way.

So ask yourself, what do you want to achieve? Be it personal or professional, long-term or short-term, having a clear goal can be the starting point of your journey towards constant forward motion.

2) They embrace change

Change isn’t always comfortable, is it?

Sometimes, it can feel like you’re stepping off a cliff into the unknown. But those who continually move forward in life have a different perspective—they see change as an opportunity for growth.

Take my friend, James, for example. A few years back, he was working a stable but uninspiring job in corporate finance. Then came the day his company downsized, and he was suddenly out of work.

Many of us would have seen this as a disaster, but not James. He chose to see it as an opportunity to pursue his passion for photography, a hobby he’d kept on the backburner for years.

Today, he’s running his own successful photography business and has never been happier or more fulfilled. By embracing change and turning it to his advantage, James was able to move forward in a way he never could have in his old job.

The next time you’re faced with change, don’t fear it. Welcome it as an opportunity to learn something new, to grow and to move forward.

3) They maintain a positive mindset

As the legendary Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the power of mindset, and those who are always moving forward in life understand this power well.

Maintaining a positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring the negative aspects of life or pretending that everything is perfect. Rather, it’s about choosing to focus on the positive elements and possibilities even when faced with adversity.

Our mindset plays a crucial role in how we perceive and respond to situations. By cultivating a positive mindset, we not only enhance our ability to move forward but also improve our overall quality of life.

4) They are not afraid of failure

Picture this: Thomas Edison, one of the most prolific inventors in history, failing a thousand times before finally inventing the light bulb. Did he give up?

Absolutely not.

He once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Those who constantly move forward in life share this same fearless approach toward failure. They don’t see it as an endpoint but as a stepping stone towards their goals.

They understand that failure is not a sign of incompetence but a natural part of the process of trying, learning, and growing.

5) They practice self-discipline

Here’s an interesting fact for you: according to a 2005 study, self-discipline has a bigger impact on academic performance than even intelligence.

People who are always moving forward in life understand and harness the power of self-discipline. They know that while motivation may kick-start their journey toward a goal, it’s self-discipline that carries them across the finish line.

Whether it’s waking up early, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, or setting aside time each day for personal development, the practice of self-discipline can be seen in various aspects of their lives.

6) They invest in continuous learning

I remember my grandfather, a man who, despite having retired from his professional life, never stopped learning. His study was always cluttered with books on various subjects, from astronomy to history, and he took great pride in his collection.

He believed that the day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.

This is a belief shared by those who are always moving forward in life. They understand that knowledge is power, and they continuously invest in learning new skills, acquiring new knowledge, and expanding their perspectives.

They read regularly, attend seminars, take online courses, seek mentors—anything to keep their minds sharp and open to new ideas. They know that every new thing they learn is another tool in their toolbox for overcoming challenges and achieving their goals.

If you want to keep moving forward, take note.

Even Bill Gates, despite all his success, is still said to read 50 books a year.

Become a lifelong learner. Embrace curiosity and never stop seeking knowledge.

7) They surround themselves with positive influences

Ever heard the saying, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with”? (Jim Rohn)

Well, there’s a lot of truth to that. The company you keep can significantly influence your attitudes, behaviors, and achievements.

People who consistently move forward in life are mindful about who they allow in their inner circle. They surround themselves with positive influences—people who inspire them, challenge them and push them to be better.

They actively seek relationships with individuals who embody the traits they aspire to: resilience, optimism, discipline, ambition. By doing so, they foster an environment that supports their growth and propels them forward.

So, take a look at your social circle. Are these people uplifting you or bringing you down?

It’s essential to surround yourself with positivity and people who encourage your growth.