As a professional athlete, I’ve spent years studying habits for success and what separates the best from the rest. The difference between the good and the great isn’t talent—it’s habits. Guys like Tom Brady, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kobe Bryant, and Serena Williams aren’t just remembered because of what they did in their sport. They’re remembered because of how they lived every single day.

The truth is, success isn’t about luck or natural ability. It’s about the choices you make, the routines you follow, and the discipline you build over time. If you’re serious about leveling up in 2025, these five habits will set you apart.

Habits for Success

1. Wake Up Early: Dominate Your Day Before It Starts

One of the hardest but most rewarding habits for success you can build is waking up early. Why? Because when you get up before the world, you gain control over your time. This isn’t just about starting your day earlier—it’s about starting it with purpose.

When I wake up early, I invest in myself. I read, journal, and meditate—things that sharpen my mind and prime me for success. Sure, there are mornings when I’m tired, and I’d rather stay in bed. But waking up early isn’t just about time management; it’s about discipline.

“Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.” – Abraham Lincoln

By pushing through that initial discomfort, you’re building mental toughness. Every morning you get up when you don’t want to, you’re exercising your self-discipline muscle. And trust me, that muscle translates to everything else you do.

2. Prioritize a Whole Foods Diet: Fuel Your Body Like a Pro

What you put in your body matters. You can’t expect to perform at a high level if you’re fueling yourself with junk. Guys like Ronaldo and LeBron understand that eating clean, whole foods is non-negotiable. They’re not just training their bodies; they’re nourishing them.

A whole foods diet—think organic vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats—doesn’t just impact your physical performance. It affects your focus, your energy, and even your mental clarity. When your body gets the nutrients it needs, you heal faster, perform better, and think sharper.

Here’s a simple recovery meal I swear by: eggs, ground beef, avocado, and sourdough toast. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and the energy your body craves after a tough session.

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn

3. Commit to Recovery: Your Body Is Your Greatest Asset

Training hard is important, but recovery is where the magic happens. Kobe Bryant didn’t just outwork everyone in the gym; he invested just as much time in recovery. Whether it’s through sleep, cold plunges, or regular stretching, recovery isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Sleep is the best recovery tool you have. It’s when your body heals, your mind resets, and your performance improves. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night. On top of that, build daily recovery habits like foam rolling, active stretching, and even deep breathing to reset your nervous system.

If you want to adopt new habits for success to make 2025 your best year yet, recovery needs to be as much a part of your plan as your training.

4. Meditate Daily: Clear Your Mind, Elevate Your Game

Meditation isn’t just for monks or yogis. It’s a secret weapon for athletes and high performers and one of the most crucial habits for success. When your mind is cluttered with stress, doubt, or distractions, it’s hard to perform at your best. Meditation helps calm the noise, improve focus, and give you a mental edge.

LeBron James swears by mindfulness and meditation as part of his routine, and it’s something I’ve incorporated into my own life. Just 5-10 minutes a day can help you stay locked in when it matters most. Insight Timer and Calm are both great apps I’ve used with guided meditations.

Think of it as decluttering your mind—just like you’d declutter your room to create a better space. A clear mind leads to better decisions, sharper focus, and ultimately, better results.

5. Invest in Your Mornings: The Key to Momentum

What you do in the first hour of your day sets the tone for the rest of it. When you wake up early and dedicate that time to yourself, you’re creating momentum that carries you forward.

My morning routine is sacred: I wake up, read something that inspires me, journal to clear my thoughts, and meditate to focus my mind. This routine isn’t just about starting strong—it’s about taking control. By the time I step into training or tackle the day’s tasks, I’m already ahead.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

If you want to dominate 2025, start by dominating your mornings. Create a routine that energizes you, aligns with your goals, and sets you up to win the day. If you need a book to start your mornings with, check out my book, Bet on Yourself: How to Build Unshakeable Confidence, Tune Out the Noise and Rise to the Occasion.

Best Habits for Success

The greatest athletes in the world—whether it’s Tom Brady, Serena Williams, or Kobe Bryant—didn’t become legends by chance. They lived with discipline, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to their habits.

2025 is your year to level up. It’s your year to build the habits that separate good from great. Start waking up early, prioritize what you’re putting in your body, make recovery a priority, meditate to clear your mind, and invest in your mornings, and watch yourself thrive.

The question is: How bad do you want it? Which habit are you committing to first? Drop it in the comments and let’s hold each other accountable.