11 Habits of Successful People

It's a no-brainer that successful people have the ability to see the big picture. What do we mean? They know how to plan. Instead of jumping into something blindly, they work through it, looking at it from all angles and planning the best approach. Spontaneity can be fun, but it's not always rewarding. 

Ever noticed how important people always end up hanging out with other high achievers? That's no mistake. Part of being successful is making connections with other successful people. This is often done by networking and socializing in cirlces that will help move you forward in your career. 

Who doesn't love a martyr, or a billionaire that takes time out to help others? The Obamas are a great example of how volunteering can not only improve your stature in the public eye, but will also help give you perspective on what is really important in this world. 

In order to make good decisions you need to have a clear head. Even the busiest CEOs and business executives admit that being tied to your cellphone constantly has it's disadvantages. Disconnecting, even if only to take a walk or watch a movie, will make a world of difference in your ability to think straight.

There's a reason you feel great after you've broken a sweat. Exercise not only helps improve you body and the way you look, but it also releases 'feel good' hormones like serotonin and endorphins. We'll bet that's one of the things that motivates former French president Nicolas Sarkozy to lace up for his afternoon jog. 

You don't have to have Gumby limbs like Sting in order to take a little time for yourself. Studies have show that meditation not only helps improve focus but also reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, helps with brain growth and makes you more compassionate.  

Highly successful people often have high pressure or high stress jobs. Author and New Age health guru, Deepak Chopra often speaks of the value of recharging. He's even set up a series of spas and yoga centres across the globe where you can escape and refuel. 

Part of being sucessful is taking a break from your day job and doing something just for fun - or relaxation. Rosaleen Citron, CEO of Whitehat Inc., a Burlington Ontario-based IT security company finds cooking a helpful way to relieve stress. 

Another popular hobby is gardening as it literally grounds your feet back on the earth and allows you to get your hands a little dirty - which is not always good in business. Here, French Justice Minister Christiane Taubira picks up some tips from an organic greenhouse just outside of Paris. 

Maintaining a good work/life balance is probably one of the hardest and yet most important things people strive for - both successful and otherwise. Many successful people make family time a priority like British Prime Minister David Cameron who often brings his son Arthur along to events like the Premiership football match in London. 

Even if you are in the habit of practicing all of the above techniques for staying on top, eventually everyone needs a vacation. Whether it's a week on the beach or a long weekend on the slopes, every successful person knows when it is time to take a break.