5 Things Successful Women do Differently!

Two days ago, I found myself in a thought-provoking conversation with my niece, who is currently a senior in high school. We discussed her goals, dreams, and vision for the future. She’s a vibrant young woman, full of life and questions, and I cherish our time together since I only have sons. My nieces often teach me as much as I hope to teach them.

As we talked, I asked her what she wanted to do after high school. Her response was, “I don’t know, but I know that no matter what I do, I want to be successful.” Then she turned, looked me in the eyes, and asked, “How does someone become successful?”

Her question caught me off guard. I could easily share insights about success in optometry, but she wasn’t interested in becoming an optometrist. In fact, she didn’t have any specific career in mind—she just wanted to understand the path to success, whatever her future might hold.

I paused, reflecting on the essence of her question. It struck me that the specific field didn’t matter. Every person who has succeeded—whether in business, sports, or the arts—has followed a proven formula. It was a simple yet profound realization: Success leaves clues.

I turned to her and said, “It doesn’t matter what you choose to do after high school. To become successful, all you need to do is follow a proven formula.” As Tony Robbins famously said:

“The surest way to achieve success is to model someone who is already successful. If you don’t have good models, find someone who is the best in your chosen field and emulate them. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel – simply learn from the best. What steps did they take to end up where they are today? How can you imitate their actions or incorporate their philosophies to reach your end goal?”

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share with you the same five things I shared with my niece during our conversation. Although there are countless habits that set successful women apart, these five resonate deeply with me and many of the incredible women I’ve been privileged to know.

Here Are 5 Things Successful Women Do Differently:

1. They Believe They Will Be Successful

Belief is the foundation of success. Successful women understand that their mindset shapes their reality. They believe in their potential, even when the path isn’t clear. This belief acts as a guiding star, helping them push through obstacles and keep moving forward.

Example: Oprah Winfrey’s belief in herself helped her overcome a challenging childhood marked by poverty and abuse. She believed she was destined for something greater and followed that belief to become one of the most influential women in the world.

Quote: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” — Henry Ford

2. They Take Risks Even When They’re Afraid

Successful women understand that taking risks is part of the journey. They push past their fears, knowing that every big leap carries the possibility of failure but also the promise of growth. They embrace discomfort because they know it’s the gateway to new opportunities.

Story: When Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, started her company, she didn’t have a business background or even an industry contact. She risked everything she had, including her savings, to bring her idea to life. Today, Spanx is a billion-dollar company, and Blakely is celebrated as one of the most innovative entrepreneurs.

Quote: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

3. They Take Care of Themselves Spiritually, Psychologically, and Physically

Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Successful women know that in order to lead others and achieve their goals, they must first take care of themselves. They prioritize their mental, physical, and spiritual health, understanding that a strong foundation supports everything else.

Example: Michelle Obama, despite her busy schedule as the First Lady, always made time for exercise, balanced eating, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She often speaks about the importance of putting yourself first so you can better serve others.

Quote: “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” — Unknown

4. They Know How to Connect and Build Health Relationships

Success isn’t just about what you know; it’s about who you know. Successful women excel at building and nurturing relationships. They connect with others, support their peers, and are open to learning from everyone around them. They know the value of a strong network and invest time in maintaining meaningful connections.

Story: Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook and author of Lean In, emphasizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration among women. She built her career by forging strong connections and helping others rise alongside her.

Quote: “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” — Oprah Winfrey

5. They Have an Attitude of Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool that keeps successful women grounded and focused on the positive aspects of their journey. They celebrate wins, big and small, and maintain a grateful heart, even in the face of adversity. This attitude not only fuels their resilience but also attracts more opportunities for success.

Example: Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post, attributes much of her success to her practice of gratitude. She starts each day with a gratitude list, which she says keeps her centered and positive.

Quote: “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” — Melody Beattie

Take Action: Embrace Your Success

Success isn’t reserved for the chosen few; it’s available to anyone willing to learn, grow, and persevere. As you develop these five habits in your life, you too will move closer to your goals. Remember, success begins on the inside, and when you adopt the mindset of a successful person, your results will follow.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward your own success, join the Optometry Divas community at optometrydivas.com/join. Connect with like-minded women, gain access to resources, and surround yourself with a supportive network that will lift you higher.

Let’s rise together and create a future where we all succeed! Share this article with your friends, leave a comment below, and join us on this journey to becoming the best version of yourself.