How to Join Top 1% in 2024
8 habits will help you become a better version of yourself.
A new year is filled with possibilities, so dream big and believe in yourself this year.
As the year 2023 comes to a close, many of us are getting ready to plan for 2024. The new year is not just about saying goodbye to the old year; it’s a chance to leave mistakes behind and look forward to starting fresh in the new year.
If you want to stand out and be in the top group, you’re in the right spot. I’m not here to give advice, just to share what I went through.
Why should you trust me? Well, because this year, I managed to overcome challenges and reach a high point. In 2023, I had a job that paid just a few thousand, and it made me really unhappy.
- Wake up with routine
- Doing the same tasks with little impact
- Going to sleep late
- Not getting enough time to meet friends/family
I’d had enough and made decisions I’m grateful for. I left my job, stayed unemployed for 6–7 months, then landed a dream 5-figure job. I started my own Notion and Productivity business, grew my social presence, networked globally, and created passive income.
It all happened because I followed habits, models, and mentalities. The simplest was:
To get ahead of 99% of people, do what they’re unwilling to do.
Every morning, ask yourself, ‘Does this make me comfortable or lazy?Most of the time, the things making me feel the most comfortable were the ones keeping me away from my true potential.
For example, I had a job making money. I could have stayed, done my work, and life would be easy. But when I decided to take a chance and quit, I found a better opportunity. Then, I took a big step to start my own business (using my own money). This is our first habit:
1. Face Challenges
Might sound cliche, but believe me, this is a crucial lesson. Whether in your job or personal life, facing challenges is the only way to discover your potential. Are you too comfortable with your work? Challenge yourself — take on more tasks and stretch your limits.
Thinking of starting a business but lack time? Make time. Work while traveling, cooking, or an hour before bed — swap TV time for work. Let go of materialistic happiness.
But isn’t that like being a robot?
Absolutely not. To get ahead, you must do what others won’t. In their 20s, some people party, spend money on luxuries, and go out every day — that’s a lifestyle choice.
Your choices today shape your future tomorrow. Like many, I choose to make sacrifices now for a more comfortable future. The hustle isn’t for the faint-hearted — you need the right mindset.
This builds resilience, adaptability, and a fearless approach to challenges.
2. Focus on Important Things
It’s not just about ‘focus’; it’s about concentrating on ‘what counts.’ Don’t spend time on things that don’t make you happier, healthier, or smarter.
Watch a show, eat something healthy, read a book — build a lifestyle that leads to overall improvement.
Whether you like podcasts or reading, or prefer yoga to exercise, don’t waste your energy on activities that don’t match your true self.
Life is too short to engage in things that don’t spark excitement. Stay away from energy-draining influences like social media or celebrity gossip, and invest your time where it truly matters.
3. Own Your Life
Life is full of challenges, but success starts when you take charge. You hold the key to shape your own future.
No one will come to rescue you or handle the hard tasks. They won’t secure a job or kickstart a business for you. It’s all on you in this journey; every moment matters.
Recognize your mistakes, learn from errors, and avoid making excuses. Taking responsibility gives you the freedom to make positive changes and pursue your goals with determination.
4. Stop Needing Others to Like You
Success often means escaping the trap of needing others to validate you. The first time I got a good grade, my mom said ‘Good Job.’ Since then, I studied tirelessly for a perfect score just to hear those words from her.
But that did more harm than good — because when I didn’t hear those words, I wouldn’t feel proud of my score.
I set up expectations for validation only to feel proud of my work.
To move forward, let go of the constant need for approval. If people congratulate you, be happy; if they don’t — keep going.
Forge a path guided by internal validation, accept yourself — including mistakes — and pursue your goals boldly.
5. Build Toughness
Toughness is the cornerstone of personal growth. It involves bouncing back from setbacks, adapting to change, and persisting in the face of adversity.
You’ll have to be comfortable with the idea of failing. For me, whenever I faced a setback, instead of saying ‘I lost’, I just said ‘The experiment didn’t work’.
The strongest person is not the one who never lost, but the one who lost but still got back up. In your journey, there are going to be days when you don’t feel motivated, those are the days when you have to push through and come forth stronger.
Building toughness helps you not just face challenges but also succeed in the middle of them. It’s about getting stronger and doing well even when things are tough.
6. Focus on your habits
People often ask me,
“How did you start your business?”
Well, I didn’t plan it. I’ve always been into productivity and writing. I’ve been a writer since I was 10 and even wrote a poetry book. But I never thought about combining the two interests.
One day, my classmate said, “Your work is so good, I would pay you for it.”
Of course, he was joking, but I’ll never forget that one sentence. That day, I shared my work for free — within the first day, I had 7 downloads.
You need to focus on your skills and the things that bring you joy.
Here’s a great example of what can help you earn money without much effort. Identify something:
You excel at People are willing to pay for Is trending or in demand Once you discover the answers to these, you’ve taken the first step on the path to success.
7. Build Your Connections
Being mysterious and a lone wolf can only take you so far. I used to be very shy, with fewer friends and rarely socializing. I enjoyed my own company.
But when I started sharing my experiences online, many people reached out. We formed a group to connect and uplift each other in every possible way.
It was the best group I had ever been a part of.
Don’t let your location stop you from meeting the right people.
From India to Us, France to Austrila, I talked to people from all these places and many more. We spent hours discussing our interests, motivations, and sharing ideas.
As you expand your network, you’ll realize the importance of having the right support.
8. Embrace the Journey
Discovering meaning in life isn’t just about reaching specific goals; it’s about embracing the journey itself.
This means finding joy in the process of growing and understanding oneself, rather than just focusing on the destination.
Cultivate a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world. Approach each day with a spirit of adventure and possibility. Many people feel lost in their mid-twenties because they lack direction. From a young age, our purposes and goals were predetermined:
Go through school Get good grades Get into a good college Get a degree Get a job
By your mid-twenties, you’ve likely completed this cycle and may feel confused because you’re no longer guided by these set rules. You need to recognize that life is all about learning and discovering new things. Don’t let a predefined set of rules determine what you can do with your life
At the end, here’s one last thing I want to share:
“When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.” — Norman Vincent Peale
When aiming to be better, try to exceed the person you are tomorrow. Work hard, let go of fear, and reach for your goals to make yourself proud.
