The 10 Habits of Long-Term Thinkers: Build a Life of Patience and Purpose

Shift from sprinting to sustainable success with these powerful mindset shifts.

Alberto Gonzalez

Dec 17, 2024

It took me one week to read the first book I’ve read in 10 years.

It taught me three things:

To do fewer things at the same time,
to work at a natural pace,
and to obsess over the quality of my work.

Today, I want to touch on the second point—working at a natural pace.

People seem to want overnight success and get frustrated when their brains hurt after 10 minutes of focused work.

Success takes time—and there will always be exceptions to this rule, of course. But for the average person like you and me, success is all about patience. So, let me show you how you should start thinking about the time you invest in your projects.

Let’s dive in!

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1. Make a Five-Year Plan

If you don’t see yourself doing it for five years, don’t even start.

This might sound harsh, but short-term thinking often leads to half-finished projects and unnecessary stress. A five-year timeline forces you to focus on work that truly matters and aligns with your long-term goals. It’s about depth over breadth—building something meaningful rather than chasing fleeting wins.

With this perspective, you’ll approach each task with more patience and purpose.

Long-term thinking isn't just a strategy; it's the foundation of sustainable success.

And if you’re wondering how to plan that far ahead—don’t worry, your plan doesn’t have to be perfect.

Start with your vision and refine as you go.

2. Double Your Project Timelines

You always underestimate how long it takes to finish things—me too, we all do.

Doubling your timelines isn’t pessimism; it’s pragmatism. It gives you breathing room to handle unexpected challenges without derailing your progress. Plus, this mindset encourages quality over rushed work, letting you produce something you’re proud of.

Most importantly, it reduces burnout, turning what feels like a sprint into a steady marathon.

Stretching timelines keeps you calm, focused, and consistently productive.

When you’re tempted to rush, remember: it’s better to go slow and get it right than to go fast and do it twice.

3. Simplify Your Workday

You will achieve nothing if you try to achieve too much in your day.

A packed to-do list might look impressive, but it leads to scattered focus and half-baked results. Instead, aim to accomplish one or two high-impact tasks daily. Eliminate unnecessary commitments and embrace the power of saying "no."

A simplified workday creates space for deep, meaningful work.

Progress doesn’t come from doing more; it comes from doing the right things better.

If you’re not sure what to cut, ask yourself: What’s truly essential?

Then, let the rest go.

4. Forgive Yourself

Failure is okay—be kind to yourself and keep making progress.

No one operates at 100% all the time, and setbacks are inevitable. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, treat them as data points for improvement. A forgiving mindset builds resilience and prevents self-sabotage when things go wrong.

Remember, the path to success is messy, and perfection isn’t required.

The most successful people fail, forgive themselves, and move forward. So can you.

When you stumble, remind yourself that every misstep is part of the process.

5. Schedule Slow Seasons

Evolution dictates that we are “slower” in the winter, so why try to achieve too much and go against nature?

Your energy naturally ebbs and flows throughout the year. By embracing slower periods, you allow yourself to rest, reflect, and recharge. This downtime isn’t wasted—it’s when creativity and long-term thinking flourish.

Slow seasons also make your busy periods more effective, creating a natural rhythm of productivity.

Rest isn't a luxury; it's an investment in your future performance.

Plan your slow seasons now, before your calendar fills up.

6. Define a Shorter Work Year

If you only work to work more, you’ve got it wrong.

Productivity isn’t about filling every waking moment with tasks; it’s about creating meaningful results. A shorter work year encourages you to focus on what truly matters and cut the fluff. By defining boundaries—like taking extended breaks or ending the year early—you create space for rest and reflection.

This helps you avoid burnout and come back stronger for the next cycle.

Work less, focus more, and watch your impact grow.

Take your first step by scheduling your "off" months for next year.

7. Implement “Small Seasonality”

Once a month, leave early from work and go watch a movie.

Small, intentional breaks like this aren’t just about relaxation—they’re about resetting your mind. These moments help you step back, gain perspective, and return to work with fresh ideas. Think of it as a micro-version of a sabbatical: a brief pause that can re-energize your creativity.

Small, predictable breaks add balance to your life and prevent burnout.

Tiny doses of rest can create massive gains in productivity.

Your next break is closer than you think—go ahead and plan it now.

8. Match Your Space to Your Work

You have to be intentional with where you do your deep work.

Your environment either amplifies your focus or constantly distracts you. Identify spaces that naturally align with the type of work you’re doing. Quiet rooms for thinking, bustling cafes for brainstorming, or even outdoor spaces for creative resets.

The goal is to design an environment that supports, not hinders, your progress.

The right space turns hard work into effortless flow.

Take a moment to evaluate: is your workspace working for you?

9. Strange is Better than Stylish

Have you ever tried working with a laptop on the beach like all the cool YouTube entrepreneurs?

The reality is, what works for others might not work for you. Instead of chasing trendy setups, prioritize what feels right for your unique workflow—even if it’s unconventional. Whether that’s a cluttered desk, a standing workstation, or your couch with a blanket, embrace it.

Comfort and function always beat aesthetics.

Strange setups often unlock your best work.

Your space should work for you, not for Instagram.

10. Rituals Should Be Striking

Embrace the power of rituals to start your meaningful work sessions.

A well-designed ritual signals to your brain that it’s time to focus. It could be lighting a candle, brewing a specific tea, or starting with a 5-minute meditation. The key is consistency—over time, the ritual itself becomes a cue for deep work.

Striking rituals don’t just prepare you physically; they prime your mind for peak performance.

A strong ritual is the secret weapon for unstoppable focus.

What’s one ritual you can start today to boost your focus?

The Takeaway

Working at a natural pace doesn’t mean slowing down your ambition—it means aligning your effort with your energy and priorities.

It’s about doing the right things, in the right way, at the right time.

Patience isn’t the enemy of success; it’s the secret ingredient.

So, how will you start working at a natural pace this week?

Let us know below 👇

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