Life throws curveballs at all of us, but some people seem to have the knack to keep moving forward, no matter what. Ever wondered how they do it?
As the founder of Hack Spirit and a keen student of mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve spent years studying psychology and human behavior. And what I’ve found is that those who consistently progress in life have certain habits in common.
In this article, I’m going to share with you 10 habits of people who always move forward in life.
Let’s dive in.
1) Embrace the present moment
We’ve all heard the adage, “the past is history, the future is a mystery, and the present is a gift”. Turns out, it’s not just a clever saying, but a psychological truth.
Progressive individuals have a knack for living in the present moment. They understand that dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about future uncertainties won’t change anything. Instead, they focus on what’s happening right now and make the best of it.
This concept is deeply rooted in mindfulness and Buddhism. It teaches us to be aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the present moment. This awareness doesn’t just help us enjoy life more fully but gives us the clarity to make better decisions.
2) Practice acceptance
Life is unpredictable. Things don’t always go as planned. And that can be frustrating. But those who persistently move forward understand the importance of acceptance.
They know that acceptance doesn’t mean resignation or giving up. It’s about acknowledging reality as it is, not how we wish it to be.
As a mindfulness practitioner, I’ve learned the power of acceptance first-hand. It’s not always easy, but it’s an essential part of growth.
Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk, puts it beautifully: “Acceptance is not about liking everything or taking a passive approach to life – it is a deep understanding of the facts and finding your response from this place.”
3) Cultivate self-awareness
One thing I’ve discovered in my journey both as a mindfulness practitioner and the founder of Hack Spirit is the power of self-awareness. Those who consistently move forward in life have a deep understanding of their thoughts, emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.
Self-awareness is not about being self-critical. It’s about understanding who we are at our core, what drives us, and how we impact those around us. It’s about recognizing our patterns and triggers so we can make necessary changes.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into how cultivating self-awareness can help us live more fulfilling lives.
Self-awareness is the first step to change. Once we become aware of ourselves, we can start to shift our behaviors and habits to ones that help us move forward.
4) Set clear goals and work towards them
People who consistently move forward in life have a clear sense of direction. They set achievable goals and take manageable steps to reach them.
Goal setting provides a roadmap for your life. It helps you focus your efforts, overcome obstacles, and make progress.
As the famous author, Lewis Carroll once said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” To keep moving forward, it’s essential to know exactly what you’re aiming for.
So, take some time to reflect on what you want in life. What are your dreams? What are your passions? What kind of person do you want to become?
Once you’ve figured that out, break your larger goals into smaller, achievable tasks. Then start working towards them one step at a time. This will not only keep you motivated but also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you tick off tasks from your list.
It’s not about reaching the destination instantly; it’s about the journey and the progress you make along the way.
5) Understand and uphold your core values
Knowing your core values is key to consistently moving forward in life. These values act as a compass, guiding us through our decisions and actions. When we live in alignment with our values, we feel fulfilled and content.
In my journey of self-discovery, I’ve found that understanding my core values has been crucial. It helps me stay true to myself and move in the direction that feels right for me, even when life gets tough.
Living by your values isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. As the saying goes, “It’s better to be at the bottom of the ladder you want to climb than at the top of the one you don’t.”
If you’re not sure what your core values are, Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown has created a fantastic Defining Your Values Exercise that can help you discover them.
Understanding your core values is a journey, not a destination. So take your time, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, be honest. Once you know what truly matters to you, you’re already halfway there.
6) Embrace change and adaptability
In life, change is inevitable. And those who consistently move forward understand that adaptability is key to progress.
Rather than resisting changes, they embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning. They stay open-minded, ready to adjust their plans and strategies as required.
It’s not the strongest or the most intelligent who survive, but those who can best manage change.
Adaptability is a powerful trait that can help you navigate through life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience.
7) Practice mindfulness and gratitude
One habit that I’ve observed in people who consistently move forward is their practice of mindfulness and gratitude. These two practices are deeply interwoven and can greatly enhance our sense of well-being and progress in life.
Mindfulness is all about being fully present in the moment, aware of our thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. It helps us stay focused, reduces stress, and enhances our emotional intelligence – all vital for moving forward in life.
On the other hand, gratitude is about appreciating what we have instead of always wanting more. It’s about recognizing the good in our lives and being thankful for it.
In my own life, practicing mindfulness and gratitude has been transformative. It has helped me stay grounded during tough times and appreciate the small victories that often go unnoticed.
8) Maintain a positive mindset
Maintaining a positive mindset is the hallmark of people who consistently move forward in life. They understand that life is full of ups and downs, but they choose to focus on the positives rather than dwelling on the negatives.
Sure, it’s not always easy to stay positive, especially when times are tough. But as Winston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
So, whether you’re facing a minor setback or a major hurdle, try to find the silver lining. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. And keeping a positive mindset can make all the difference in your ability to move forward.
9) Learn to say ‘No’
This might seem a bit counterintuitive, but one habit that I’ve noticed in people who continuously move forward is their ability to say ‘No’. They understand that time and energy are finite, and they can’t do everything.
Saying ‘Yes’ to everything can lead to burnout, stress, and dissatisfaction. On the other hand, learning to say ‘No’ allows you to focus on what truly matters to you and contributes to your progress.
In my own life, this has been a tough but necessary lesson. It’s not always easy to turn down requests or opportunities, especially when they come from people or causes we care about. But I’ve learned that saying ‘No’ to others often means saying ‘Yes’ to myself and my goals.
10) Take care of your physical health
It might sound obvious, but physical health plays a crucial role in our ability to move forward in life. People who continuously progress understand this and make their health a priority.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep – these are all essential for maintaining our physical health. And when our body is healthy, it’s easier for our mind to stay focused, positive, and resilient.
So, make it a habit to take care of your physical well-being. Start small if you need to. A short walk every day, a few more hours of sleep, a couple of healthier meals each week – these small changes can make a big difference in the long run.
Your body is the vehicle that carries you through life. Take good care of it, and it will take you far.
Conclusion
Moving forward in life isn’t about grand gestures or huge leaps. It’s about the small, consistent habits we cultivate every day.
From practicing mindfulness and living in alignment with our core values to maintaining a positive mindset and taking care of our physical health – these habits can significantly impact our ability to progress in life.
Personal growth is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continuous learning and improvement. So, take it one step at a time. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself along the way.
If you’re unsure where to start, Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown’s “Defining Your Values Exercise” can provide some valuable insights into what truly matters to you.
Take these habits, make them your own, and keep moving forward. Trust yourself, believe in your journey, and remember – the only way out is through.
