Designing a Top 1% Life Part 1

Recently, I came across The 9 Habits of the Top 1% Women by Natalie Dawson, and so many of the habits resonated with me.

In this blog post, I’m sharing four of them — and I’ll share the next four in the following edition.

Habit 1: Time Control

Time is our most valuable resource. It’s the one thing we can’t get back — and yet, we often feel like we never have enough of it. The women at the top don’t “find” time. They create it.

Creating time comes down to discipline and ownership. Instead of trying to control external things — your partner, your children, your circumstances — focus on what is within your control: your habits.

Choose your daily non-negotiables. Protect them. Build your life around them. When you control your time with intention, you start controlling the direction of your life.

Habit 2: Weekly Goals

It’s easy to set big yearly goals in January… and then slowly forget about them. That’s why weekly reflection is so important.

Every week is an opportunity to check in:

• What progress did I make?

• What moved me closer to my long-term vision?

• What distracted me?

When you review your week intentionally, you can reprioritise for the next one. Every task should support the bigger picture of who you’re becoming. And if something doesn’t align? Ask yourself why you’re giving it your time.

Make space in your week specifically for the goals that matter to you.

Habit 3: Stick to the Plan

Success rarely comes from big, overnight breakthroughs. More often, it comes from consistency.

Make your plan the night before. Decide:

• What needs to be done.

• What doesn’t need your attention.

• What truly matters tomorrow.

When you wake up already knowing your priorities, you remove decision fatigue and avoid drifting into busywork. Sticking to a simple, clear plan every day compounds more than big bursts of motivation ever will.

Habit 4: Give Your Partner a Hug Every Day

Ambition and success mean very little if your relationships are suffering. One simple habit that stood out to me: never go to bed upset.

And make it a rule to reconnect — even if it’s just a hug.

Arguments will happen. Disagreements are normal. But letting resentment stretch into days or weeks drains emotional energy you could be investing into your growth and goals.

Resolve conflict before the day ends. Lead with softness the next morning if needed. Your relationship should support your success — not compete with it.