Daily Habits of Successful People You Should Start as an Intern

22 Aug Daily Habits of Successful People You Should Start as an Intern

“Life is a journey, not a sprint,” goes the famous adage, and every step counts. Especially when you’re an intern. 

You’ve probably heard these “life is a journey” sayings before, but have you really thought about how it applies to your daily life? You’re at the beginning of your career, ready to soak up every ounce of knowledge and experience. What if the secret to success isn’t about making one massive leap but about taking small, intentional steps every single day?

Successful people didn’t get to where they are overnight. Instead, they built their success one habit at a time. And you can, too. 

Whether you’re starting your first internship or gearing up for your next big opportunity, developing the right habits now can set the tone for your career. 

Below, we’ll break down five daily habits of successful people and share how you can adopt them to thrive as an intern.

1. The Power of a Daily Routine

There are countless benefits to following a daily routine, from reducing stress to improved mental health and even better sleep. Here are some tips on how to implement a daily routine in your own schedule:

What Daily Routine Should I Follow to Be Successful as an Intern?

There’s a reason why so many high achievers credit their success to a solid daily routine. It’s not necessarily about trying to plan every moment of your day down to the second (after all, who has time for that?) but rather, creating habits that set you up for success and consistency.

Start with your mornings, since they’re your foundation. Did you know that many successful people kick off their day with a structured routine? 

Take Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. He wakes up at 3:45 am to check emails and work out. You don’t necessarily need to wake up that early, but here’s a framework that works:

• Wake up early (or at least earlier than you’re used to). 
• Move your body. A quick workout or even stretching reduces stress and clears your mind. 
• Plan your day ahead. Use 10 minutes to map out your priorities. 

For interns, especially, having a planner or a digital calendar is non-negotiable. Start with the “big rocks first” method. Basically, tackle your most critical tasks first, then handle the smaller stuff. 

And end your day strong: take a few minutes before heading home to reflect. What went well? What can you improve? Jot down quick notes to stay in the loop tomorrow. 

Remember, life really is a journey. Every small action builds toward your bigger goals. 

2. Read, Learn, Repeat

Does reading really matter that much? Why dedicate a whole section of this post to it?

The short answer: yes, it does. And in more ways than you might think. Let’s break it down.

Should Successful People Read Daily?

Pick up any biography of a successful person, and odds are, you’ll find something in common: they read. A lot. Bill Gates reportedly reads 50 books a year, while Oprah credits much of her success to her book club and lifelong learning.

You may feel like your internship keeps you busy enough, but squeezing in some daily reading is a game-changer. You don’t need to plow through 800-page biographies. A quick 20 to 30 minutes a day can make all the difference. 

Types of reading to consider:

Industry-specific articles to stay sharp and informed. 

Self-improvement books, like Atomic Habits by James Clear or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. 

Even blogs or podcasts count! Some light inspiration on your commute won’t hurt. 

Think of reading as mental fuel. The knowledge you gain today will guide your steps tomorrow. 

3. Mastering the Art of Organization

When we talk about organization, we refer to physical organization (knowing where you put your belongings, for example) as well as mental organization and the organization of your time. To that end, here are some tips. 

How Can I Organize My Day Effectively as a Student Intern?

You’ve probably had “wing it” days where you just take things as they come. Unfortunately, those days can derail productivity, fast. The secret weapon of successful people? They plan. They really plan.

Here’s a step-by-step strategy to keep your internship days organized:

Start With a To-Do List: Write it the night before, so you hit the ground running. 

Use Time-Blocking: Allocate focused hours for projects, emails, and breaks. Even Elon Musk swears by this method. 

Leverage Productivity Tools: Trello, Notion, or good ol’ Google Calendar…they all help you track tasks so nothing falls through the cracks. 

Don’t stress about being perfect. Organization is about progress, not achieving military-level precision. 

4. Feedback Is Your Best Friend

Don’t shy away from criticism. Seek it out. Both in real life and in the context of your internship, feedback is what will help you grow.

How Often Should I Ask for Feedback During an Internship?

One thing successful professionals and navigators have in common is that they both rely on feedback to course-correct. Without feedback, you’re basically flying blind. 

Asking for feedback may feel awkward at first, but it’s essential for growth. The trick is knowing how and when to ask for it. Instead of constantly asking, “How am I doing?” (which can sound vague), try this approach:

• Set up regular check-ins with your supervisor. Weekly or biweekly is perfect. 
• Ask specific questions, like “How could I have improved that presentation?” 
• Pay attention to not just constructive feedback but also what you’re doing right! 

Just think of it as your GPS. It keeps you on track and helps you make adjustments. And remember, showing that you value feedback shows your commitment to personal growth. Win-win. 

5. Self-Care = Success

Last but not least, remember to take care of yourself. Self care might seem like yet another distraction or a diversion from your everyday tasks, but without proper self-care, you’re running on empty and your efforts to succeed in your internship are far less likely to be successful.

What Self-Care Routines Help Maintain Productivity?

Many people equate success with “grind culture,” but that’s a myth. Burning the midnight oil every night isn’t sustainable. Truly successful people? They prioritize self-care just as much as their work. 

Here’s how to take care of yourself while crushing it as an intern:

Exercise regularly, as even a quick walk during lunch recharges your energy. 

Meditate or journal.

Sleep (try to get at least seven to eight hours per night; a well-rested brain learns faster, remembers better, and just functions more efficiently. 

Pack snacks to keep your energy steady throughout the day.

Drink water (because coffee alone isn’t hydration). 

Set boundaries; if it’s the weekend, don’t check email unless absolutely necessary. 

You can’t pour from an empty cup. When you take care of yourself, you bring your best self to everything you do, including your International internship. 

Your Step by Step to Success

Success isn’t one grand, dramatic moment. It’s the sum of small, intentional habits repeated daily. 

Remember, it’s a journey, not a destination. You’re taking the first steps to success now, and every habit you develop today will set the stage for your future. 

Ready to take the next step on your success story? Apply for an internship with Absolute Internship today and start building the habits that will shape your future.