10 simple habits. Zero shortcuts. Start now, and watch how far ahead you are in a decade.
Let’s face it—long-term success doesn’t come from one big moment. It’s not about that perfect stock pick or some life-changing opportunity that lands in your lap. It’s about the small things you do every day, the habits you build brick by brick, that compound over time.
In this article, I want to walk you through 10 little habits that—if you commit to them now—can quietly but powerfully position you ahead of 99% of people in the next 10 years.
These habits aren’t glamorous. Most people will ignore them. But the few who stick with them? They build empires. Inner ones and outer ones.
1. Read 10 pages of a high-quality book every day
Ten pages might not sound like much. But over a year, that’s 3,650 pages—or around 15 to 20 books. Over ten years? You’ve absorbed the wisdom of 150–200 books. And that’s assuming you don’t up the pace.
The key here is quality. I’m not talking about pop fiction or self-help fluff. I mean deep, thoughtful books—on psychology, philosophy, history, investing, and human nature.
Why? Because in 10 years, your edge won’t be the latest trend—it’ll be your mental models.
2. Ask yourself one hard question every night
Reflection is a lost art. Each evening, take five minutes and ask:
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What did I do today that moved me forward?
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What did I avoid—and why?
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Where did I lie to myself?
This one habit builds self-awareness, and self-awareness compounds. Over time, it makes you the kind of person who sees patterns others don’t—even in yourself.
3. Start your day before the noise
If you want to stay ahead, you need to think ahead—and you can’t do that when you’re constantly reacting.
Wake up 30 minutes earlier than you usually do. Don’t check your phone. Don’t scroll. Use that time to journal, stretch, breathe, plan, or simply sit in silence. Let your mind lead the day, not chase it.
(Personal Note: In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How to Live with Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore how mindful habits—done consistently—can radically change your trajectory. This principle of beginning the day intentionally is a core teaching.)
4. Write down one idea a day—no matter how small
Don’t wait for genius. Build the habit of capturing thoughts.
Most people think they’ll remember the great idea they had. They won’t.
Keep a small notebook or use an app and jot down one idea a day. It could be:
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A new business model
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A headline that caught your attention
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A problem you’d like to solve
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A phrase someone said that made you think
You’ll build your idea muscle. And over time, you’ll spot gold where others just see dirt.
5. Move your body—intentionally, not automatically
This isn’t just “exercise.” It’s about intentional movement.
Go for a walk without your phone. Run and feel the discomfort. Stretch and notice your breath. Train your body like it matters—because it does.
In 10 years, your physical vitality will either be your greatest asset or a nagging liability. Choose wisely.
6. Say no just a little more often than you’re comfortable with
Most people’s calendars are full of other people’s priorities. That’s why they feel stuck.
Start saying no. Not in a rude way—but in a deliberate, self-respecting way.
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“I’m not available for that right now.”
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“Let me get back to you.”
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“I’ve decided to focus on fewer commitments.”
Every “no” is a “yes” to something higher.
7. Track your time once a month
Once a month, do a time audit. Track your day in 15-minute blocks.
It sounds tedious—and it is. But that’s the point. It forces you to confront where your time really goes.
You’ll probably be shocked. But in that shock lies opportunity. Because the people who get ahead know this truth: Your calendar is a mirror of your future.
8. Seek discomfort on purpose
Every day, do something that makes you uncomfortable. It could be:
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Starting a conversation with a stranger
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Saying “I don’t know” in a meeting
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Taking a cold shower
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Posting a video online
Discomfort builds resilience. And in a world that’s moving faster every year, the person who can handle more discomfort grows the most.
9. Protect your attention like it’s gold—because it is
Turn off every non-essential notification. Set your phone to grayscale. Put it in another room while you work.
Your attention is your most precious asset. In 10 years, those who trained it will be leaders, creators, builders. The rest? Scrolling endlessly, wondering why nothing changed.
10. Play the long game—even when no one’s watching
This is the real secret.
It’s not the big decisions that separate those who rise from those who coast. It’s the small ones. The boring ones. The ones no one sees.
Anyone can go hard for a week. Few can go steady for a decade.
So choose the long game. Track your habits. Stack small wins. Watch them compound.
Final thoughts
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Most people won’t stick with these habits. Not because they’re hard—but because they’re not urgent. They don’t scream for attention. They don’t give immediate rewards.
But if you commit to them—if you start now—you’ll look up in 10 years and realize something profound:
You didn’t just get ahead. You built a life that feels like yours.
And that, my friend, is the ultimate edge.
If you want to dive deeper into the mental habits and mindfulness principles that underpin lasting success, grab a copy of my book: Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How to Live with Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s written for people like you—people playing the long game.
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