15 things to start doing now to get ahead of everyone else in 5 years' time

Doing these things now will propel you toward the front of the pack.

A man with short gray hair is sitting at a table, smiling softly. He rests his chin on his hands, wearing a light blue denim shirt over a white t-shirt. The background features shelves filled with books.

Life is by no means a competition. That said, it’s almost inevitable that some people will progress more quickly than others in terms of their personal growth, career, and general life satisfaction. Here are 15 things you can do to improve your chances of being one of those who get ahead.

1. Try to be diligent with your chosen studies.

A person wearing glasses studies at a wooden desk with books and a yellow coffee cup. They are focused on writing in a notebook. A potted plant and bookshelves are in the background. The scene is bright and well-lit.

Most people are trying to learn something, whether that’s in higher education, in their career, mastering an art or craft, or simply improving at a hobby. This “study” is important because it helps you to develop as an individual and push beyond your current proficiency in life. So, even if you lack the time, energy, or money to pursue your chosen study right now, you should try to maintain some degree of progress, no matter how small. Even a little bit of reading or 15 minutes of practice at something can make all the difference.

2. Network intelligently.

Three people are sitting in a row, engaged in a conversation. The man on the left is gesturing while talking, the woman in the middle is smiling and listening, and the man on the right, wearing glasses and a denim jacket, is also smiling. They appear to be in a casual setting.

Wherever there are gaps in your social network, seek out those who can fill them competently. For example, if your social circle consists mostly of creatives, ensure that you’re also connected to medical professionals, engineers, architects, and financial advisors to round out your skill sets.

3. Develop your soft skills.

A woman with red hair is speaking and gesturing with her hands during a meeting. She is seated at a table with three colleagues, who are listening attentively. They are all wearing business casual attire and have papers in front of them.

While technical skills are important, soft skills often make the difference in career advancement and personal relationships. Focus on improving your communication, empathy, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. These skills are transferable across industries and will serve you well in any situation. Likewise, practice active listening, learn to give and receive constructive feedback, and work on your emotional intelligence.

4. Find ways to reduce your stress.

A man with a beard wearing a denim shirt and a backpack stands outdoors near the sea, stretching with his hands behind his head and eyes closed, appearing relaxed and content. The background features a cloudy sky and distant water.

Stress is one of the most damaging contributing factors to poor overall health—both physical and mental. Those who are well-rested, with little stress in their lives, tend to be much healthier individuals. Establish a regular, healthy sleep schedule, take supplements like magnesium if needed, and put down the phone an hour before bed.

5. Set some goals.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses sits at a wooden table. She is writing in a notebook with a pen, and a bowl of food and a glass cup with tea or another beverage are in front of her. A dresser with a vintage lamp can be seen in the background.

Take the time to define clear, achievable goals for yourself in various aspects of life: career, personal development, relationships, and health. Write them down and create actionable plans to reach them. Review and adjust your goals regularly. Having a clear direction will help you stay focused and motivated, giving you a significant advantage over those who drift aimlessly through life.

6. Learn self-sufficiency skills.

A man in a blue shirt and brown apron skillfully flips a frying pan with chopped vegetables, causing them to soar in the air. He holds a pot lid in the other hand. The kitchen has a rustic brick wall, wooden shelves, and various cooking utensils.

Essentially, whatever you don’t know how to do, learn it. This could entail tasks such as cooking and baking, or more intricate skills like plumbing and electrical maintenance. The more things you’re able to do yourself, the less you need to rely on paid professionals.

7. Learn to evaluate the opportunities that come your way, and take the best ones.

A man with a beard sits at a desk, holding a pen to his chin in a thoughtful pose. He wears a red shirt and a plaid blazer. Behind him are shelves with books and a lamp. A laptop is open in front of him.

Develop a keen sense of discernment when it comes to opportunities. Not every chance that presents itself is worth pursuing. Learn to analyze potential risks and rewards, and consider how each opportunity aligns with your long-term goals. Don’t be afraid to say no to options that don’t serve you well, and be ready to fully commit to those that do.

8. Make sure you’re treating others in your social circle well.

Those you do right by will inevitably do right by you in turn. Establish strong connections with your social circle and your community, and you’ll be in a stronger, healthier place with all of them in a relatively short amount of time. Then, you’ll all have others to lean upon if and when you need to.

9. Remove toxic people from your life.

A wooden marionette puppet hangs by strings against a black background. A human hand holding a pair of scissors is positioned to cut the strings, symbolizing breaking free from control or constraints.

If there are people in your life who cause you never-ending drama and discomfort, make a point of distancing yourself from them. If you can’t remove them entirely, then establish strong boundaries to minimize interactions with them.

10. Stop unhealthy comparisons to others.

Two men are seated at a desk in an office, working on a laptop. One man is typing while the other listens attentively. They are dressed in business attire. A window with a cityscape is visible in the background, along with a small plant.

If you must compare yourself to others, analyze what it is about their personality or skill set that you admire, and adapt it into your own. Aspire to be more like those you admire, rather than feeling inferior to them. Interestingly, the attitude of inferiority blocks one from improving.

11. Start learning a new language.

A woman is leaning forward with her hand near her lips as if whispering or speaking. Letters and country flags, including those of Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, and France, are scattered in the air against a wooden background.

There are countless language-learning programs, apps, and resources that are either free or incredibly affordable. If you choose a new language now and start learning it today, you’ll likely be fairly fluent in 5 years’ time. The more languages you know, the more advantages you have overall.

12. Take consistent action.

A person sits at a desk working on a computer while holding an open book. They are wearing a dark sweater and the desk also has a yellow mug, a closed notebook, and a computer mouse. The background shows a couch and bookshelves in a cozy room.

Consistency is key to achieving any long-term goal. Develop habits that support your objectives and stick to them, even when motivation wanes. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and work on them regularly. Remember that small, consistent efforts compound over time, leading to significant results.

13. Learn how to grow your own food.

Two women smiling while working together in a lush garden filled with vibrant flowers and greenery. One woman has short gray hair, and the other has long dark hair tied back. They appear focused and happy amidst the colorful blooms and leafy plants.

Find out which crops grow best in your area, and then learn how to grow them. Knowing how to establish your own source of food security can only be beneficial, and who doesn’t love to enjoy freshly harvested produce right from the garden?

14. Stockpile the resources that are available to you.

A person with brown hair in a ponytail is reaching for a glass jar filled with brown contents on the top shelf of a white pantry. Other jars with grains and nuts are beside it. The bottom shelf holds a stack of blue plates.

Don’t be a jerk and buy up all the toilet paper from your local store in one go, but make sure that your pantry and stockpiles are filled. Buy a few extra items when you can, especially canned and dry goods that have a long shelf life, plus essential medications.

15. Take care of your health.

A woman in athletic wear performs a lunge exercise in front of a bookshelf with scattered books. She wears a blue sports bra, gray leggings, and blue athletic shoes. A metal chair is positioned against the brick wall background.

You don’t have to train for 8 hours a day, but make it a focus to become strong enough, flexible enough, and have enough cardio capability to function well on a daily basis. By doing the bare minimum in responsible calisthenics, you’ll get an immense return on your investment.