High Performing Habits

Written By Pamela Guzmán

Proven Strategies to Elevate Your Performance

Are you ready to level up and take your personal and professional growth to new heights? Success isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about adopting the right habits that empower you to thrive while staying true to yourself. Let’s explore the 10 habits that high performers use to create big wins and lasting impact:

1. Set Clear Goals with Purpose

High performers don’t just dream—they create actionable goals tied to a larger purpose. In a study by Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at Dominican University of California, achievement increased by 42% when individuals wrote down their goals.

2. Own Your Morning Routine

A strong start sets the tone for the day. Whether it’s a workout, journaling, or simply sipping cafecito in peace, create a routine that energizes and centers you. According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, morning routines can improve focus and reduce stress throughout the day.

3. Prioritize Lifelong Learning

Invest in your growth by reading, taking courses, or seeking mentors. High performers know the power of being curious and staying adaptable. In 2020, The World Economic Forum reported that 94% of business leaders expected employees to pick up new skills on the job by 2030.

4. Be Intentional About Your Network

Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Don’t just network—build meaningful relationships that align with your values. Research from Harvard Business School highlights that strong networks improve career opportunities and job satisfaction.

5. Embrace Self-Care as Non-Negotiable

You can’t pour from an empty cup. From prioritizing rest to nurturing your mental health, make self-care a habit, not an afterthought. The American Psychological Association (APA) emphasizes that regular self-care can reduce stress and improve resilience.

6. Track Your Progress

Regularly check in with yourself. What’s working? What’s not? High performers use feedback—from themselves and others—to refine their strategies. According to a study by Gallup, employees who receive regular feedback are 3.6 times more likely to be engaged at work.

7. Take Risks and Embrace Failure

Growth happens beyond your comfort zone. Reframe failure as a learning opportunity and take bold, calculated risks. Research from Northwestern University -Kellog School of Management highlights that when CEOs foster trust within their teams, it empowers them to take bold risks—paving the way for innovative breakthroughs.

8. Master Time Management

Protect your time like the precious resource it is. High performers focus on what matters most and learn to say “no” to distractions. A study published by Sage shows how effective time management increases academic achievement, positive work habits, and motivation.

9. Celebrate the Wins—Big and Small

Don’t wait for the finish line to celebrate. Recognizing your progress fuels motivation and reminds you of how far you’ve come. According to behavioral scientist BJ Fogg, PhD, celebrating achievements enhances overall happiness and encourages future success.

10. Show Up Authentically

Your authenticity is your superpower. Lean into who you are and bring your whole self to every room you enter. Success is sweeter when it’s achieved on your terms. A Deloitte study found that 54% of employees reported that the need to cover at work negatively impacted their ability to perform their job to the best of their ability. The impact was even higher for cisgender women (61%) and transgender/nonbinary employees (68%).

Let’s Reflect

Which of these habits are already part of your routine, and which ones will you commit to adopting? Share your thoughts with us—we’d love to hear how these habits are shaping your journey.

Check out our very own Adela Cepeda, Chair at Angeles Investors, dropping some serious wisdom about this topic:

Pamela Guzmán
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