To be successful in 2021, who we are will be more important than whatever devices and management theories we have. To keep up and to thrive, we will need to find the slower resources within ourselves. Whatever the next five years may bring, in 2021 we'll still want to do our best. And the way to lean forward starts within. So, with the long game in mind, here are 20 habits you can start today to help you be your best in 2021, and beyond.

INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY  

Start now to increase your commitment to actively and consciously creating your future instead of waiting for good things to happen. Shift some of the energy you put into coping into creating a better reality.

CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT

Just as you have to prioritize saving for long-term financial goals, you have to prioritize your personal development and improvement if you want to become the kind of person who can face any challenge. 

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EXERCISE

Whatever your age now, in five years you'll be...well, five years older. Incorporate an exercise routine that works for you into your schedule, and you'll gain energy rather than lose it!

TIME STEWARDSHIP

What could you accomplish with a gift of 900 hours? Save just 20 minutes of wasted time a day, and that's what you'll have in five years. 

JOURNALING

The habit of reflective writing, even a short daily passage, can make you more productive. It also helps clear out the cobwebs and gives you a record to look back on.

SEARCHING

It's easy to settle for what's in front of you, but the best leaders see nothing. Begin now to discipline yourself to seek out answers, do research, and look for solutions rather than problems. 

MEDITATION

Learn now how to slow down your internal pace. It will be a vital skill in a world where things move even faster than they do now. 

TRUST

It's one of the most powerful forces you can develop. When you live in trust and trustworthiness, you build the reputation that will serve you well in the years to come. Learn now how to slow down your internal pace. It will be a vital skill in a world where things move even faster than they do now. 

READING

Avid Readers have a wealth of knowledge and experiences. It's easy to let the reading habit fall off when life gets busy, but you owe it to your future to make the time. 

BALANCE

Priorities tend to become even more challenging as you move through life. Work now to build balance among your competing priorities. Learn what balance feels like and appreciate its gifts so you can maintain it into the future. 

CHOICE

If you're at a point in life where it's tempting to switch to autopilot, keep yourself making intentional choices every day based on your life plan and long-term goals. Don't allow your life to become a clumsy series of unplanned events and outcomes. 

FLEXIBILITY

We've heard it a million times: the only constant is change. That means the most important skill is the ability to embrace change and adapt. 

Through reading, paying attention, and a deliberate effort to stay on top of current developments in your field, community, country, and the world: keep yourself learning every day. 

INQUIRY

Pay attention to what's going on around you, and if you don't know or understand something, ask. Always ask. 

HUMILITY

A sustainable culture, however large or small the scope, requires leaders who are less interested in how important they become, and more interested in the difference they can make. 

RESILIANCE

Learn now to finish what you start. Develop the discipline to stick with what you're doing, even when the excitement and novelty have worn off, even when it's no longer fun. 

POSITIVITY

Invest in the future with a spirit of making every day a great day. Train your brain to look on the bright side.  

CONFIDENCE

If you have tendencies toward people-pleasing and a need for approval, start now to replace them with confidence. Belief in yourself is a valuable asset to carry into the future. 

GRATITUDE

Wherever you find yourself in five years, you'll be a happier person if you learn to be thankful for everything you have. 

MEANING

Be ready to set new standards, higher than the ones you have today. Those, in turn, will produce greater commitment, more momentum, more promise, and a meaningful journey into the next five years.