A poster of a woman's face in red, blue and yellow.

The definition of “successful” will differ, depending who you ask. For some, it involves attaining a certain measure of wealth. Others will define their success based on their personal achievements. For most, success likely encompasses a number of factors that lead to overall life satisfaction. If you’re feeling less than fulfilled lately, don’t despair. Look to these top habits of highly successful women for inspiration, and you’ll soon find yourself moving toward the accomplished life you crave.

1. Purposeful Mindset

One of the best ways to start seeing success in your life is to cultivate a purposeful mindset. So many people live their lives on autopilot, just going through the motions of their everyday routines. Getting swept up in the demands of daily obligations doesn’t allow you to even consider if those things are working for you. Instead, a better strategy is to cultivate a healthy mindset focused on your values and desires. One way to do this is to take inventory of what truly matters to you in life and what you want to put out into the world. Start each day with a reminder of the type of mindset you want to embody, and you’ll soon see a positive change in your productivity, stress-levels and relationships.

Believe in Yourself

2. Morning Routine

Creating a set routine you practice each morning is a daily habit that can ensure you maintain your intended mindset. A morning routine is just as it sounds. It’s a daily practice you implement each morning that helps set the tone for the day. A routine is deeply personal. It should be tailored to your specific interests, personality, preferences and lifestyle. It’s a good idea to try to wake up about a half hour earlier so that you build in the time for your ritual. Perhaps a quick jog around the neighborhood will get your blood flowing and help you to feel energized for the day’s challenges. If you’re not into morning exercise, consider spending time each morning with a hot beverage, scented candle and your journal. Morning meditation is popular with many, as it puts them in a mindful and present state. The point of this activity is to purposefully carve out time for yourself and put you in your intended frame of mind as you begin your day.

3. Guided Spirituality

If you want to become a successful woman, you may want to consider your spiritual life. Spirituality isn’t synonymous with religion, though embracing a religious practice is one way to engage in a spiritual practice. Highly successful women often report incorporating some sort of devotional practice into their lives. Spirituality offers a wide assortment of benefits. If you choose to join a group or congregation of some sort, you may find that the support and engagement you find among like-minded people adds a great deal to your life. Even a solo practice can provide a framework for making sense of the world, lowering stress levels and finding meaning.

4. Thirst for Knowledge

Another way to work toward your goal of becoming a successful woman is to be open to education. This doesn’t mean you need to obtain a formal university degree or certificate. A philosophy of lifelong learning can lead to tremendous personal growth. Of course, acquiring education in your chosen field can also boost your work aspirations. Consider adding the objective of learning something new to your daily routine.

The pursuit of knowledge is a worthy endeavor that can offer the practical benefits of improving cognitive function and moving you forward in your career. It can also open a world of opportunities you might not otherwise encounter. Signing up for a class might lead you to a lifelong hobby or even a career change. Perhaps you’ll meet someone in class you can hire you or change your life in some way.

5. Strong Relationships

Building strong relationships of all kinds is something highly successful women do. Humans are a social species. We’re usually happiest when we connect with others. Perhaps a romantic partner is something that would lead to greater fulfillment for you. It can be a great benefit to have that sort of life companion to support and nourish you through good times and bad. A support network doesn’t have to include intimate partnership. Embracing family ties or building bonds with platonic friends can offer the same sort of benefits. Knowing there are people you can count on allows you to take more risks, which can move you closer to achieving your dreams and becoming a successful woman.

6. Expanded Comfort Zone

Speaking of taking risks, this is something highly successful women do all the time. They go after the things they want, even if they’re scared or unsure. There are few guarantees in life. Most endeavors will involve some risk. Staying within your comfort zone limits you and keeps you stuck. While there may be practical barriers to pursuing some of your desires, many of the habits discussed here can actually make stepping out of your comfort zone less risky. Having a secure support network and solid spiritual foundation can provide a soft landing if things don’t work out. A thirst for knowledge can lead you to solutions for overcoming barriers. Knowing your purpose often provides the resolve you need to move forward toward your dreams.

7. Bold Goals

Finally, in order to become a successful woman, you’ll need to define your goals and make a plan for reaching them. Creating a list of short, middle and long-term goals gives you the structure you need for attaining what it is you want. Goals give you something to strive for and lessen the chance of getting stuck in a rut or living life on autopilot. Be sure to choose goals that are a bit lofty, though realistic. You’ll want to challenge yourself, but setting too many goals or ones that are impossible to reach will only lead to overwhelm and disappointment. Include actionable steps and checkpoints for monitoring your progress. Bold goals can serve as a road map that will take you where you want to go.

Keep these top habits of successful women in mind as you create your personal game plan for building a life of fulfillment. Be gentle with yourself and celebrate each step of the way. You just may be surprised at how your perspective begins to change.