People who never allow success or money get to their head usually have these 9 distinct strengths

Success and money — they’re powerful forces that can easily inflate one’s ego, aren’t they?

Yet, some people seem immune to the intoxicating allure of wealth and achievements.

They stay grounded, humble, and genuine, regardless of how much fortune or recognition they amass.

So, what’s their secret? How do they manage not to let success get to their heads?

Well, it all boils down to certain unique strengths they have. 

In this article, I’m going to reveal the 9 distinct strengths that I’ve discovered in people who never allow success or money to alter their humility or sense of self.

Get ready to dive into a world where success doesn’t breed arrogance, but rather cultivates resilience, humility, and true strength.

1) They possess a grounded sense of self

In the world of success and wealth, it’s easy to lose yourself, isn’t it?

But not for those who don’t let money or success get to their heads. They have a strong sense of self that keeps them grounded. 

They know who they are at the core, irrespective of their achievements or bank balance. Their identity isn’t tied to their accomplishments or material possessions.

Instead, they define themselves by their values, character, and how they treat others. They are comfortable in their skin, with or without the trappings of success.

This isn’t to say they don’t appreciate or enjoy their success. They certainly do. But they understand that their worth is not measured by external accolades or wealth.

2) They practice gratitude

Gratitude – it’s a concept we often hear, but how many of us truly understand its power?

Those who don’t let success get to their heads are usually masters at practicing gratitude.

Here’s the deal:

Gratitude isn’t just about saying ‘thank you’ or appreciating what you have. It’s a mindset, a way of life.

It’s about acknowledging the good in your life and recognizing that the source of this goodness is, at least partially, outside of yourself.

People who remain grounded despite success realize that their achievements aren’t solely their own doing; they’re the result of a supportive network, opportunities, and sometimes even sheer luck.

As Colette Lafia of Grateful Living says, “The relationship between humility and gratitude is essential. It allows us to receive both the big things, as well as the simple things as gifts; and ultimately, to see everything as connected.” 

3) They’re comfortable with imperfections

Now, you might think that successful people are perfectionists. But that’s not the case at all. 

Interestingly, those who don’t let success get to their heads tend to be more comfortable with imperfections – both in themselves and others.

Linking back to our earlier point on gratitude, these individuals recognize that nobody – not even themselves – is perfect. They accept their flaws and mistakes as part of being human.

Instead of striving for unrealistic perfection, they focus on continuous growth and improvement. They view every mistake or flaw as an opportunity to learn and grow.

This acceptance of imperfection doesn’t mean they settle for mediocrity. Far from it! They still strive for excellence, but they do so without tying their self-worth to the outcome.

By being comfortable with imperfections, they maintain a healthy perspective towards success. They understand that success is not about being flawless; it’s about persisting despite the flaws.

4) They have a growth mindset

People who don’t let success or money get to their heads usually possess what’s known as a growth mindset.

As opposed to a fixed mindset, where individuals believe their abilities are set in stone, a growth mindset thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of unintelligence but as a springboard for growth and stretching existing abilities.

Here are some key traits of people with a growth mindset:

• They embrace challenges.
• They persist in the face of setbacks.
• They see effort as the path to mastery.
• They learn from criticism.
• They find lessons and inspiration in the success of others.

These traits not only help them grow as individuals but also keep their ego in check. They understand that there’s always room for improvement and that they don’t know everything.

5) They value relationships over possessions

Ever noticed how some people become distant or aloof once they taste success?

In contrast, individuals who don’t let success or money get to their heads always prioritize relationships over possessions.

Think about it:

Who are the people who’ve been there for you during tough times? Who are the ones who celebrated your small victories, even when the world didn’t take notice?

Chances are, these are the same people who’d stick around even if you lost all your worldly possessions.

Those who remain grounded despite success understand this deeply. They know that no amount of money or success can replace the warmth of genuine relationships.

Hence, they invest their time and energy in nurturing these bonds, rather than chasing after more wealth or fame. They understand that at the end of the day, it’s not what we have, but who we have in our lives that truly matters.

This brings me to the next point…

6) They prioritize giving back

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about people who don’t let success or money get to their heads, it’s their commitment to giving back.

They understand that they’ve been fortunate and they feel a deep sense of responsibility to share their wealth and success with others.

It’s not about charity for them; it’s about making a difference in the world around them.

We all have stories of successful people who have used their wealth and influence to bring about positive change. People like Dave Grohl, Keanu Reeves, and Dolly Parton, for example. 

And let’s be honest, it’s these stories that inspire us the most.

They remind us that success isn’t just about personal gain; it’s also about how we can use our resources to uplift others.

People who remain grounded despite success usually live by this principle. They believe in the power of giving back and they make it a priority in their lives.

And this, I believe, is one of the greatest strengths anyone can possess.

7) They embrace change

Picture this: You’ve reached the pinnacle of success in your field. You’re at the top, comfortable, and things are going great.

Then, out of nowhere, a major shift happens. How would you react?

People who don’t let success or money get to their heads are usually comfortable with change. They understand that life is a constant ebb and flow, and that change is inevitable.

Instead of resisting change or panicking when things don’t go as planned, they adapt. They see change as an opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve.

This adaptability can be challenging, no doubt. But it also brings forth the best traits in us — courage, resilience, and an open mind.

8) They practice self-care

Self-care — it’s a term that’s been thrown around a lot. But those who don’t let success or money get to their heads understand its true value.

Years ago, in my early career, I used to think that success meant working tirelessly and pushing myself to the brink of exhaustion. But then, a health scare forced me to slow down and rethink my approach.

What I’ve learned since is that taking care of oneself is not an indulgence; it’s a necessity.

People who maintain their humility and groundedness despite success know this all too well. They ensure that they’re not just physically healthy, but also mentally and emotionally balanced.

They understand that their achievements mean nothing if they’re not healthy enough to enjoy them.

More importantly, they realize that they can’t be of service to others if they’re run down or burnt out.

So, they make time for relaxation, hobbies, exercise, and other activities that rejuvenate them. They know that taking care of themselves is the first step towards being able to take care of others and their responsibilities.

And this balance is what helps them stay grounded, even as they scale heights of success.

9) They maintain a sense of humor

Finally, and perhaps surprisingly to some, people who don’t let success or money get to their heads usually have a great sense of humor.

They don’t take themselves too seriously, even though they’re serious about their goals and responsibilities.

Laughter, for them, is not just a stress-buster but also a reminder to stay humble.

They know that life is too short to be serious all the time and that it’s okay to laugh at themselves every now and then. 

In fact, they often use humor as a tool to navigate through tough situations and to keep their ego in check.

And this ability to laugh and find joy, irrespective of their circumstances or achievements, truly sets them apart.

Maintaining a sense of humor amidst the highs and lows of life – now that’s the mark of someone who’s truly mastered the art of staying grounded despite success.

What’s your grounding strategy?

As we come to the close of this discussion, I hope you’ve been able to reflect on these strengths and perhaps even identify some that resonate with you.

But let’s get real here:

Staying grounded in the face of success or wealth is not an overnight process. It’s a continuous journey of self-awareness, humility, and resilience.

So, what are some strategies that you can adopt to stay grounded? Here are a few suggestions:

• Regularly practice mindfulness or meditation.
• Surround yourself with people who keep you grounded.
• Regularly remind yourself of your roots and values.
• Create and maintain a gratitude journal.

Now, as you move forward on your journey to success, remember that it’s not just the destination but also the person you become along the way that truly matters.

Stay humble. Stay grounded. And may your success always be a source of joy, not just for you, but for those around you as well.