Unlocking Startup Success: Everyday Habits for a Happier Life

In today's fast-paced world, it's not uncommon to envy others' success. Seeing carefully chosen success stories on social media can sometimes leave us feeling inadequate.

However, it is vital to remember that success is an individual experience, especially when starting out. And, when we continuously compare ourselves to others, it is generally destructive to our wellbeing.

As a Psychology and Neuroscience expert, I know that feeling better is an inside job and in order for us to unlock our success, we need to focus on ourselves and embed everyday habits that help us live a happier life.

Remember, true success starts from within, and these practical steps can be the start of your journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Get enough sleep

More than anything else, the quality and quantity of sleep we get significantly impacts our mental abilities, such as our ability to think, make decisions, and problem-solve. When we're sleep-deprived, our stress levels tend to rise, leading to a vicious cycle that negatively impacts performance. It should come as no surprise that sleep holds such a profound impact on our lives. When we grapple with stress or health issues, our sleep quality tends to bear the brunt of these challenges, creating a cycle of disruption that influences our daily lives.

Practice gratitude

Practising gratitude is a basic success habit that works in tandem with another positive practice - journaling. Journaling may appear intimidating at first, but it can actually be straightforward, and an ordinary notepad will do. Begin your day with a clear objective, and at the end of the day, take a moment to reflect on three things for which you are grateful. Accept simplicity as a fundamental component of your daily routine and make it a non-negotiable priority. You'll start to notice the impact of these practices after several weeks. Incorporating journaling and gratitude practice into your daily routine is simple, allowing you to focus on your goals while rewiring your brain's neural networks.

Find pleasure in the small things

Finding time for yourself can be challenging as a business founder, amidst work and home life demands. However, it is crucial to prioritise taking a daily break from the natural stresses that life presents. Connecting with nature can help you improve your overall wellbeing. Simply getting outside for 20 to 30 minutes every day, preferably in green places, can significantly impact your cognitive and physical health. You don't have to be an athlete to impact your thoughts and feelings; a leisurely walk finding pleasure in what you see, smell, hear… is enough. Spending time outside freshens your mind, reduces stress, and improves your mood, making it a simple tool for improving your overall quality of life. By incorporating these simple behaviours into your daily routine, you can start on a path to a happier and less stressful life.

Plan your day

Having a clear understanding and organised schedule for your day can provide you with a sense of control, reduce stress, and allow you to make the most of your time.

Take regular breaks

Integrating brief breaks into your daily routine is advantageous and necessary for overall health and efficiency.   Our brains are not naturally wired for continuous, uninterrupted work. Regular breaks can positively impact your mental state, enhancing your ability to focus and maximising your potential. Taking short breaks throughout the day, whether a quick stroll, a gentle stretch, or a healthy snack, can help prevent burnout, alleviate stress, and improve the quality of your work. By recognising the importance of these interludes and consciously incorporating them into your daily schedule, you will experience increased energy, improved focus, and a greater ability to approach tasks with renewed enthusiasm. 

By embracing the significance of sleep, gratitude, small pleasures, a well-structured day, and regular breaks, you can embark on a path to success and wellbeing. It's time to prioritise your inner journey, and in doing so, you'll discover that success, in its truest form, is already within reach.