People who are more successful than their friends typically display these 9 behaviors, according to psychology

Let’s be real—if you come from a working-class background like I do, it’s natural to want to become more successful than those around you.

But this drive isn’t about competing with others or inflating your ego; it’s about mastering the behaviors that make people stand out and achieve greatness.

You see, there are certain habits and mindsets that successful individuals tend to display, and they’re not always obvious. These are the things that separate those who simply get by from those who truly thrive.

In this article, we’ll explore the 9 key behaviors that people who are more successful than their friends tend to exhibit.

These insights will help you unlock your potential, stand out from the crowd, and elevate your success.

1) Embracing continuous learning

In the realm of success, continuous learning is a common denominator.

Those who are more successful than their friends often have an insatiable thirst for knowledge. They are always looking for opportunities to learn, grow and improve themselves.

Why is this significant?

Because the world is constantly evolving. The market changes, technology advances, and new ideas emerge. Staying on top of these changes requires a continuous learning mindset.

Successful people understand this. They:

• Read books
• Attend seminars
• Listen to podcasts
• Generally seek out new information

They don’t see learning as a chore but as an opportunity for growth.

This proclivity towards learning isn’t just about staying relevant but about cultivating a curiosity about the world, fostering creativity, and driving innovation.

So, if you aspire to be more successful, consider adopting a continuous learning attitude. The benefits are well worth the time and effort.

2) Taking calculated risks

The path to success is rarely linear. More often than not, it’s paved with risks.

In my own journey, I’ve found that those who are more successful than their friends aren’t afraid to step outside of their comfort zones. They understand that taking calculated risks is a fundamental part of achieving their goals.

Let me share a personal example.

A few years ago, I was offered a promotion at work.

The catch?

It meant relocating to a city where I knew no one.

It was scary, to say the least. But after weighing up the pros and cons, I decided to take the leap.

Why?

Because I understood that this opportunity could open doors for me professionally. And while the move was challenging, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Successful people understand that risk is inherent to progress. They don’t shy away from it, but rather, they manage it. They make decisions based on careful analysis and thoughtful consideration, not fear.

They know that every risk they take is an opportunity to learn, grow, and move closer to your goals. 

3) Cultivating resilience

More successful individuals typically have a strong ability to bounce back from adversity. They don’t let failures deter them but rather, view them as stepping stones to success.

This isn’t just an anecdotal observation.

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who experienced a moderate amount of adversity in their lives had better mental health and well-being outcomes than those who had experienced either no adversity or high levels of adversity.

This phenomenon, known as the “adversity sweet spot”, suggests that dealing with some level of hardship can actually make us more resilient and better equipped to handle future challenges.

Resilience, in this context, isn’t just about being tough. It’s about:

• Adapting to difficult situations
• Learning from your mistakes
• Persisting in the face of obstacles

These findings highlight the importance of cultivating resilience on the path to success. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but it’s your response to these obstacles that will shape your journey.

4) Setting clear goals

Successful people are goal-oriented. They have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and they set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to help them get there.

Having clear goals provides a roadmap for success. It gives you direction and focus, helps you stay motivated, and allows you to measure your progress.

But setting goals is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in staying committed to these goals and working consistently towards achieving them.

Successful people don’t just dream about success – they plan for it. They break down their big goals into smaller, manageable tasks and work on them consistently.

This approach keeps them motivated and focused, even when the going gets tough. And it helps them make steady progress towards their bigger vision.

5) Building strong networks

Success isn’t a solo journey. Those who are more successful than their friends understand the importance of building and nurturing strong relationships.

They create diverse networks of people from different fields and backgrounds, and they invest time and effort into maintaining these relationships.

But this is not just about networking for personal gain. It’s about forming genuine connections, offering support, and learning from others.

Successful individuals understand that everyone they meet can teach them something valuable. They value diversity of thought and are open to new perspectives.

They also understand the importance of giving back. They:

• Share their knowledge
• Offer their support
• Help others in their network succeed

6) Practicing gratitude

Success isn’t just about achievements and accolades. It’s also about appreciating the journey and being thankful for the experiences that shape you.

Those who are more successful than their friends often practice gratitude. They take time to acknowledge the good in their lives, and they don’t take their blessings for granted.

Why is this so important?

Because practicing gratitude has been linked to a host of benefits, from improved mental health to stronger relationships.

It helps us stay grounded, keeps us focused on what truly matters, and contributes to our overall sense of well-being.

But more than that, gratitude helps us see challenges as opportunities and setbacks as stepping stones. It reminds us of our progress and motivates us to keep pushing forward.

Successful people understand that every experience – good or bad – brings them one step closer to their goals. They appreciate their journey, even when the road is rough.

7) Prioritizing self-care

In the hustle and bustle of pursuing success, it’s easy to neglect your own well-being. But I’ve learned from experience that self-care is a non-negotiable part of the journey.

A few years back, I was working around the clock, trying to juggle multiple projects. I was so focused on my work that I neglected my health.

Eventually, my body gave in, and I had to take a break to recover.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: Success isn’t worth much if you’re not healthy enough to enjoy it.

Those who are more successful than their friends know this and so, they prioritize their physical and mental health.

• They take breaks when they need to
• They exercise regularly, eat healthily, and get enough sleep
• They also engage in activities that help them relax and recharge

8) Valuing time over money

Time is the one resource we can’t replenish. Those who are more successful than their friends recognize this and treat their time as a valuable asset.

They manage their time effectively, focusing on high-priority tasks and minimizing distractions. They understand that being busy isn’t the same as being productive.

But beyond productivity, successful individuals also value time for its intrinsic worth. They understand that time spent with loved ones, on personal growth, or on experiences that enrich their lives is time well spent.

They are willing to invest money to save time :

• Delegating tasks
• Hiring help
• Using tools and services that free up their schedules

It’s a shift in perspective – seeing time as a precious resource rather than something to be filled with work.

So, consider how you spend your time and what changes you could make to use it more wisely.

9) Embracing authenticity

At the heart of true success lies authenticity.

Those who are more successful than their friends are not afraid to be themselves. They understand that they don’t need to conform to societal expectations or fit into a certain mold to succeed.

They have the courage to follow their own path, even when it goes against the grain. They stay true to their values, pursue their passions, and express their individuality.

Authenticity breeds trust and respect, both in personal relationships and in business. It allows you to connect with others on a deeper level and build meaningful relationships.

But more importantly, being authentic allows you to live a life that is true to who you are. It brings contentment, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose.

Final thoughts: The essence of success

To truly stand out and rise above your peers, success isn’t about luck or getting one over on others—it’s about consistently displaying the right behaviors and mindset.

By adopting the 9 key traits we’ve explored, you can begin to separate yourself from the pack, unlocking your full potential and paving the way for greater achievements.

Success is a personal journey and it’s different for everyone. So remember to embrace your authenticity, cherish your time, cultivate resilience, and above all – stay true to who you are. Because at the end of the day, you are your own definition of success.