 Habits are powerful. They are formed as a result of repeated actions or reactions to things. One bad habit can make a successful person lose everything he has labored for years. According to a Greek philosopher, Aristotle, we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit. Ask yourself, are your current habits compatible with the type of success you desire? According to Brian Tracy, a Canadian American international speaker, successful people are simply those with success habits. If we can adopt success habits, we will become successful people. In this video, I'll be sharing with you the 5 habits that are tough to learn but expedient for your success. 1. Setting personal goals. According to Orison Swett Madden, an American inspirational author, all who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was a high one which sometimes seemed impossible. No successful man in history has ever succeeded without goals. You need to set out clearly defined goals, put it in writing. Your goals must also be specific, measurable, actionable, relevant and time-bound, smart for it to be useful. Beyond committing your goals to paper, read it aloud daily and reassure yourself that you can accomplish it. This self-affirmation about your goals will strengthen your self-confidence and give you the courage to begin execution. Build yourself accountable daily and ensure you are doing something towards achieving your goals as well. According to Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, if you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes. Keep your hope alive and push toward execution with positive energy. In the end, you will be glad you did. 2. Accept failure as part of the process. Starting anything is tough. Everything can be quite devastating. As a person interested in succeeding, you must acknowledge that some will work and others will not. These are the realities that will confront you. Sometimes it does not feel because you did something wrong. It may just be an issue of timing. Understanding that your goals may not always be accomplished is also a healthy habit that can help you stay resilient through all your challenges, according to an American self-help author, Napoleon Hill. Most great people have achieved their great success just one step beyond their greatest failure. Do not, at any point, abandon your goals because there are setbacks. Stephen King, an American novelist, received a total of 64 rejections before he published his first short story. Many other highly successful men had several setbacks before they eventually succeeded. It is probably best to see failure as a part of the process and a fresh opportunity to begin more intelligently. Having an open mind set that is receptive to failure is extremely difficult but is necessary for success. Without this, you will likely give up on your dreams once you face serious challenges, according to British former Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue the counts. Failure is just an act, not a state of being. You are not a failure because you failed. Be bold and courageous. Do not waver in the face of failure. Reading books to learn new things According to Jim Rohn, an American entrepreneur, reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary. Also, as stated by Charlie Tremendous-Jones, a motivational speaker and writer, you will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read. Reading is one of the most challenging habits to learn. It is perhaps influenced by the fact that the types of books to be read are seldom entertainment based. The essential books for career and personal development are usually boring and offer little entertainment. These books are mostly on management, business strategy, negotiation and emotional intelligence and finance. According to Theodore Seuss, an American author, the more that you read, the more things you will learn, the more places you will go. Developing a healthy reading habit is quintessential to success. However, reading must be intentional. Just search your areas of interest and start reading around them. Intentional reading might also mean taking notes. It will probably feel like school. But hey, this is the school of life and discipline is your lecturer. According to American journalist Margaret Fuller, today a reader, tomorrow a leader. Books can improve your knowledge on various subjects' areas. The more you read, the more knowledgeable you become. Remember to check out some of the books recommended by the world's most successful man. 4. Get Up Early According to Consumer News and Business Channel, CNBC, nearly 50% of self-made millionaires in Tom Curley's book, Change Your Habit, Change Your Life, got out of bed at least 3 hours before their workday actually started. Getting up at 5 am gives you time to collect your thoughts, write out your plans for the day or week and strategize on how to accomplish them. It also gives you time to prepare for work and leave early so that you will get to work on time with enthusiasm. If you own your business, your punctuality can also inspire passion, as well as punctuality in your employees. According to Buddha, each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most. Making the most of your morning by waking up early can contribute immensely to your ultimate success. To ensure you continue this habit, try sleeping a bit earlier. If you happen to sleep late for any reason, set the alarm. Try not to snooze the alarm as well. Waking up early requires discipline, and if you are not used to this, don't worry, practice makes perfect. 5. Prioritize Your Help Successful people always prioritize their help. Your help can have a positive or negative effect on every area of your life. It is also influenced by what you eat. Your food choices affect how you live, and by extension, your success. It is advisable to exercise often. This can help you stay in shape, get more energy, and vent frustration. According to Lifehack blog, exercise is a key driver of enhanced mental performance. Exercise helps you build stamina and resilience. Fortunately, this is a transferable habit that can help you at work. Being meticulous about your health will eventually pay off at old age. Way too many people die early over things they could have prevented from a young age. Some go through old age battling life-threatening diseases or remaining pain till the end of their lives. Schedule regular hospital checkups, and exercise regularly.