10 Habits Of Highly Effective People

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We only live once, but if we do it right, once is enough.

The above quote is enough to highlight the importance of habits and ethics in a person's life and the result of shaping the personality of an individual.

To be effective in your dealings, there are tons of good habits to acquire but we would be narrowing them down to just the Top 10 Habits that can improve the way of life of just about any individual.

1. Think Positively
   This is arguably the most important aspect that decides the life of any individual.
   Being optimistic not only enhances the quality of one's life, but it also helps in building the self-esteem of the individual which helps in yielding optimum results.

2. Be Yourself
   Being yourself is another habit you need to become an effective individual. You cannot live your life trying to imitate the life of someone else so as to please people. We are all unique from creation, so live your own life; be yourself. This way you will understand yourself more. You will know your weaknesses and your strengths and know which area of your life you need to improve on and which to conserve your energy and move away from.

3. Read A Lot
   Most people don't read. Some read for pleasure. Just very few read to improve their behaviour. Those who read everyday have a higher advantage over those who do not.
   To live an effective life, read with the sole objective to improve your behaviour.
   Reading boosts your vocabulary, it helps you understand the truths of life, it aids in improving you psychologically, socially, philosophically etc. Hence giving you a sense of exploration for a better life.

4. Love One Another
   Yeah, you read that right! To love and to be loved is mankind's greatest need, but lately, the world has gone really crazy. We fight, envy, hate and even kill one another in pursuit of power, fame, wealth, influence and all the vanities the world has got to offer. Yet our desires for these vanities can never be satisfied.
   So challenge yourself everyday to love someone genuinely. You can express your love for that person with gestures like a gift or a note or anything to let that person know that you truly do love and wish them well.

5. Stay Healthy
   OK, this probably is the most important. Because your plan of cultivating all other habits hinges hundred percent on this one.
   You can't say you are healthy because you feel you have no disease. Some people only go to see a doctor when they feel pain. Others only do morning jogs when they want to lose weight. Thing is, all your efforts in trying to acquire the other habits can be reduced to zero in one day if your health is not being taken seriously.

6. Exercise Gratitude
   No matter how bad you think your life is, there must be something to be grateful about.
   Practising gratitude is a total game changer. It teaches your brain to focus on the positive things and makes you concentrate on what you already have in your life as opposed to what you do not.
   Say thank you, be kind and be grateful for what you have got.

7. Smile During Adversity
   "Smile", something so simple and calm, yet so powerful.
   Smiling is the most powerful emotional connect that works every time. You use less facial muscles when you smile in contrast to when you frown.
   If you can smile during challenges, you may be able to overcome the situation because you choose not to surrender to the situation imposed on you.
   Smiling is also an attractive expression that brings people closer to you.

8. Never Argue With Unintelligent People
   Arguing with unintelligent people will not only waste your time, but will also get you frustrated and you will end up not having accomplished anything.

9. Start Investing
   You can hardly become rich by doing 9-5 jobs. Always have a plan B, don't get too comfortable with your job.
   Don't just save, start investing albeit wisely in mutual funds and properties etc. You will understand only when you begin to do so.

10. Review Your Day
    Keep away from your phones and laptops for at least half an hour before you go to bed. Use this time to recollect on all your deeds during the day. Just do a mental evaluation of your performance at the office, school, work, etc. Ask yourself what inspired you to do the things you did during that day and say thanks to God for a day well spent.