8 Habits of Highly Productive Men and Women Throughout History

History is a treasure trove of accomplished men and women who have achieved more than seems humanly possible. From the legendary productivity of Leonardo DaVinci to the prolific output of Benjamin Franklin, the accomplishments of these individuals can be awe-inspiring and daunting to those of us who struggle to meet our daily goals. However, there are some key traits and habits that these luminaries possessed that we can learn from and adopt in our own lives. In this article, we’ll explore 8 of these impressive habits and the famous figures who utilized them to achieve their incredible accomplishments.

1. Be Active and Persistent – Leonardo DaVinci

Arguably one of the most versatile and productive geniuses in history, Leonardo DaVinci is most noted for his paintings such as The Last Supper and Mona Lisa, but he was also a skilled inventor, engineer, sculptor, and anatomist. While there are many myths about his sleep habits and time management skills (such as taking short naps rather than sleeping for long periods), there is one thing we know for sure – DaVinci was an active and persistent man. He never stopped pursuing new interests and projects, which continuously fueled his creativity and productivity.

2. Follow a Set of Guiding Principles – Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was a man of many talents and accomplishments, including his leadership in the American Revolution and his contributions to the invention of electricity. However, it was his set of 13 virtues that he committed to and followed that enabled him to get so much done in his life. These virtues included temperance, order, frugality, sincerity, justice, and more. By adhering to these principles, he was able to prioritize his activities and optimize his daily routine for maximum productivity.

3. Start Your Day Early – Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela, the iconic South African leader, was known for his early morning walks. This daily ritual allowed him to clear his mind, reflect on the previous day’s events, and mentally prepare for the day ahead. Whether it’s going to the gym, walking your dog, or reading the news, starting your day with a positive mindset can help trigger the physical and mental processes that lead to greater productivity.

4. Wake Up Early to Work – Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, found success in her writing career by waking up early and dedicating the first few hours of her day to her craft. Getting up before her children allowed her to work without distractions and gave her a sense of accomplishment before tackling the rest of her daily responsibilities. By focusing on the most important tasks during the quietest time of the day, you can accomplish more while feeling more energized and motivated.

5. Take Naps to Recharge – Thomas Edison and Winston Churchill

Both Thomas Edison and Winston Churchill were famous for taking daily naps. Edison reportedly would nap for an hour or two, which helped him recharge his mind and body. Churchill, who led Britain through some of its most trying times during World War II, similarly set aside hours of his day to nap, take a bath, prepare for dinner, and generally take care of himself. Napping is crucial for anyone who essentially works from morning to night, as it can provide the rest and relaxation needed for greater focus and productivity.

6. Stick to a Routine – Winston Churchill

Churchill was a man of many routines, including his daily naps and baths. Having such a rigid schedule allowed him to focus on the important tasks at hand while providing a sense of stability and structure in his otherwise chaotic life. By allocating time for self-care and personal needs, he was able to maintain his focus and sanity during one of the hardest periods of leadership in Britain’s history.

7. Embrace Failure and Learn From It – Henry Ford

Henry Ford was a revolutionary figure in the field of industrial productivity and mass production. One of his most famous sayings was that “even mistakes have value.” He believed that if you are going to fail, you should fail fast and learn from that failure. In short, you should constantly be doing something and working towards your goals, even if failure is a risk.

8. Focus on a Few Key Tasks – Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein was one of the most important scientists of the 20th century, renowned for his contributions to physics and his development of the theory of relativity. He was also an incredibly productive man who could focus on his work for long periods of time without distraction. He believed that to be truly productive, you should focus your energies on a small number of very big things, rather than trying to juggle a large number of small things. By finding inspiration in something that truly motivates you, you can achieve incredible things with focused effort.

In conclusion, productivity is achievable for anyone by adopting some of the habits and traits of history’s most accomplished men and women. Whether it’s waking up early, taking naps, following a set of guiding principles, or simply finding what inspires you and focusing on it, these habits can help you achieve more in your daily life. So why not try adopting some of these tips and see where they can take you?