Leaders, influencers and successful people agree, “Habits are the key to your success.” There’s good reason for the attention given to habits. Habits are the bridge between what you think and what you do.

And in the age of information, when ANYTHING you could EVER want to know is just a “Hey Siri!” away, it has never been so needed, that we find constructive things to DO with all our information!

And that’s where habits come in. They take the information in your head and implant it in your daily doings.

Here are four habits that make a huge difference in your life. You’ll discover your passion and find your purpose as you cultivate these four habits. They result in a meaningful, satisfying life.

No, I didn’t pull this from some “top 10 success habits” blog post (although, you will inevitably find them included in these lists). I live this…and it works!

1. Wake up early

Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The sun has not caught me in bed in fifty years.”

People with passion & purpose are usually early risers. There is something special about stepping into the tranquillity before dawn when the rest of the world is still asleep. It is the perfect time to meet with our Father in heaven, to strategize and to create.

2. Commit to ongoing personal and professional development

People with passion and purpose are committed, life-long learners. The Internet has put the world at our fingertips. There is no end to the information, training and opportunities to learn available. Plus, it has brought the world’s largest bookstore (Amazon) to our computer screens.

“You’ve gone as far as you can with what you now know. Any progress you make from this moment onward will require that you learn and practice something new.” (Brian Tracy)

3. Simplify

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” (Hans Hofmann)

Simplify by eliminating everything that wastes your time, energy and money. Remove distractions. Manage interruptions—they are inevitable but they can be managed.

Prioritize your time and your energy. Focus on only one thing at a time. Begin and end each task with laser clarity and strength.

4. Slow Down

“For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” (Lily Tomlin)

A life of passion and purpose is easily lost in the midst of a busy, stressful, and chaotic environment.

Passion and purpose spring from within…knowing that Jesus, the Master, whose Word calms the wind and waves, is with you in your fragile boat. This affirming confidence is seeded in the early morning conversations with the Father (Habit #1)

“Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.” ( John De Paola)

There you have it…four of the simplest of habits that produce the greatest transformational impact on my life. Try them.

Yes, they may seem (and feel) counter-intuitive at first. But given time and diligent effort, these four habits will nurture your passion and guide you as you follow your purpose. Your life will become increasingly meaningful and satisfying, as mine has.