Today Matters: 12 Daily Practices to Guarantee Tomorrow’s Success

Today matters… and success tomorrow depends on what we do today. The idea of “working hard” may get you far and achieve goals, but it’s important to be mindful about the day to day practices that will actually bring the success promised.

Many people pay lip service to the idea that success results from today, whether it’s achieving life-long dreams or becoming wealthy. To really ensure success, though, it is important to not only acknowledge the need to make today count but also actively practice 12 daily habits that will guarantee tomorrow’s success.

1. Set Goals. It’s important to define what success looks like to you and create attainable goals that can be broken down into daily or weekly action steps. Goals serve as daily reminders, letting you know what important things you need to do, and when, to reach them.

2. Prioritize. With a list of goals, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks. To ensure everything is completed on time, it’s important to prioritize tasks and focus on the most important items first.

3. Identify Your “Why”. It’s important to have an understanding of your “why”, why you’re fighting for the success you want. Whether it’s providing financial security for your family or finally starting your own business, knowing what drives you will keep you motivated day after day.

4. Visualize Your Desired Outcome. Practice visualizing what it will look like when you achieve your goal. This mental practice can help you better understand the sequence of steps needed to reach the end result along with the resources you’ll need to get there.

5. Track Your Progress. Tracking your progress is one of the most effective ways to ensure desired outcomes. Keeping a written or electronic diary organized by project, days of the week, or whatever works best for you will help you stay on track with the action steps needed to reach your goal.

6. Cut Negative Thoughts. It can be hard to always stay positive, but having the right attitude is crucial to success. Make sure to distance yourself from negative thoughts and stay focused on the end result.

7. Know Your Limitations. Understanding your personal limitations and weaknesses is key to successfully achieving your goals. While you may have the drive to get things done, it’s important to be honest with yourself and your capabilities so you can successfully manage your time and resources.

8. Celebrate Your Wins. Celebrating your successes is a great way to stay engaged and motivated. Make sure to schedule a mini “celebration” after completing milestones and take pride in your accomplishments.

9. Take Breaks. It’s OK to take breaks to give your brain a break from problem solving and come back to tasks with a fresh perspective. Even short breaks during the day can make a big difference in productivity and the accuracy of your work.

10. Listen to Your Intuition. Taking the time to listen to your inner voice will always be beneficial in the long run. Pay attention to the subtle signs that could help guide you to the right decision or lifestyle.

11. Embrace Change. Change can be scary, but it’s a necessary part of success. When faced with an unknown, mentally prepare yourself to adapt and take on whatever it throws at you.

12. Show Gratitude. Being thankful for what you have today will make you appreciate the good instead of focusing on the bad. Fostering a meaningful mindset not only leads you to better decisions but allows you to find gratitude in any situation.

Your daily practices today will set you up for success tomorrow. Practicing these 12 daily habits, along with hard work, will ensure you live a life you are proud of and, most importantly, be prepared for anything that may come your way.