8 habits of people who are constantly improving themselves

We sometimes include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Let’s face it. Nobody’s perfect. And we could all do with a little self-improvement here and there. 

It could be something small, like reading more books or going to the gym regularly. 

Or perhaps, it’s time for a shift in your daily behavior to embrace personal growth and become a better version of yourself.

Whatever your motivation, here are 8 habits of people who are constantly improving themselves.

And if you’re here, chances are you’ll already recognize some of these good practices.

Ready? Let’s go. 

1) They have a productive morning routine

How does your morning typically go?

If it involves pressing snooze on repeat or scrolling through your socials for hours, it might be time for a change. 

I know, I know. As a night owl myself, it’s hard not to hit that button for a few extra glorious minutes in bed. 

But a healthy morning routine can help set the tone for the rest of the day. And it’s proven to make your day more productive, focused, and organized. 

In fact, many successful people swear by their morning rituals

So what’s the secret to the perfect morning routine?

Well, it could be as simple as:

  • Eating a nutritious breakfast
  • Getting up early
  • Reading a book
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Exercising
  • Setting yourself daily goals
  • Taking time to self-reflect and show gratitude

However, according to Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post, it’s more about what you don’t do. For example, not looking at your smartphone first thing.

While both Jeff Bezos and Oprah believe in listening to their internal body clock by waking up naturally, without an alarm.

Of course, there’s no one size fits all solution. So it’s important to tailor a routine that aligns with your own self-developmental needs.  

And by starting your day right, it can positively impact your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

2) And a good bedtime routine

According to experts, it’s not just children that need a stable bedtime routine. Adults can benefit too. 

And by keeping a consistent sleep schedule, you could be one step closer to achieving your self-improvement goals.

Let me explain.

Not only does a good night’s rest promote cognitive function and development, but getting enough sleep can also improve your heart health

Plus, it can ensure you wake up more refreshed and alert the following day.

However, if you don’t get enough sleep, it can have a negative effect on your working memory. Not ideal if your aim is to learn and improve. 

But it’s not just about getting sleep. Although, getting a full 8-hours in certainly doesn’t hurt.

A bedtime routine allows you to unwind, reflect, and prepare for tomorrow. 

For instance, completing chores or making a to-do list the night before gives you more time in the morning to be mindful, eat healthy, and relax before you begin your day.

3) The gym is their happy place

Exercise isn’t just about keeping a well-toned physique. Although that’s certainly a bonus

Ever heard the saying, your body is a temple?

Well, research shows that physical fitness can promote self-discipline and control.  

Typically those who exercise regularly make healthier choices overall. They eat better, smoke less, and generally get plenty of sleep. 

As a result, this gives your mental and emotional well-being a serious boost.

Not to mention it can improve your motivation and reduce stress levels. Something that allows you to eradicate worry and instead, focus on your personal growth.

4) But they also know when to take a break

Sometimes in life, the best thing you can do is stop!

Stop and be thankful. Stop and reflect. Stop and take stock of your life, goals, and needs.

And by hitting pause, it gives you time to replenish your energy levels and ultimately, become more productive. 

But taking a break doesn’t just mean putting your feet up and scheduling some ‘me time’. 

Unplugging from social media and other distractions (e.g. alcohol, socializing, television, etc) can also help recalibrate your focus. 

And that’s where Monk Mode comes into play.

Based on the three I’s: 

  • Introspection
  • Isolation
  • Improvement 

This period of pensiveness, discipline, and laser focus allows you to master your craft away from the daily grind and hubbub of everyday life.   

5) They make healthy lifestyle choices 

Be it eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, or simply being more mindful, self-improvement begins from within. 

And that goes double for your mental health.

Activities such as meditation can mean numerous things to different people. 

But whether you believe it’s spiritual, religious, or none of the above, it’s a great way to tap into your emotions.

And by putting aside time to look inwards, you’re opening yourself up to a stress-free world of calm, self-awareness, and clarity. 

Positive affirmations, on the other hand, help you to visualize and then manifest what you want out of life. 

This healthy habit works by changing how you think and behave for the better. And as a result, achieve your goals.

The use of uplifting and positive language can also relieve anxiety, amplify self-worth, and provide you with an overall brighter outlook on life. 

6) And they have a thirst for knowledge 

Technology is constantly changing, but reading never goes out of style. 

And those who are constantly improving themselves know this all too well. 

This growth mindset encourages them to read more books, pick up new hobbies, take courses, attend workshops, and look at the world with a childlike glimmer. 

It can be something practical or just a bit of fun. 

As long as you’re teaching yourself something new, you’re on the road to self-development. 

Ultimately, they’re constantly on the lookout for new knowledge, ideas, and experiences to better themselves, keep intellectually engaged, and grow. 

7) Journaling helps them to track their progress

Journaling may sound a little outdated. But if you’re into self-improvement, it’s an excellent habit to introduce into your daily routine. 

By jotting down your thoughts, experiences, goals, and moods you can use it to your advantage during your quest for self-discovery and growth. 

Not only does it offer a way to track your progress. It can also help you analyze behavioral patterns, clear your head, and manage your time effectively.

Without documenting your journey, it’s difficult to pinpoint areas that require further development and improvement in the future. 

So if you don’t already keep a journal, it might be time to start!

8) But they also seek out feedback from others

“No man is an island”.

At least that’s what English poet John Donne once wrote.

And he wasn’t wrong. 

In order to improve, we need feedback from others. It helps give us an unbiased insight into our flaws, weaknesses, and imperfections. 

But it’s not all doom and gloom. It can also let us know our strengths and when we’re doing something right – without our overriding self-doubt getting in the way.

And by surrounding yourself with a strong network, it can be beneficial for all parties – offering fresh perspectives and fostering mutual growth all around. 

Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.

Tina Fey

I'm Tina Fey, the founder of the blog Love Connection. I've extremely passionate about sharing relationship advice. I've studied psychology and have my Masters in marital, family, and relationship counseling. I hope with all my heart to help you improve your relationships, and I hope that even if one thing I write helps you, it means more to me than just about anything else in the world. Check out my blog Love Connection, and if you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Twitter

7 things highly intelligent people do differently at work

8 traits of people who never quit, no matter how hard life gets