We often look at highly successful people and wonder—what’s their secret? Is it luck, talent, or something else entirely?
According to psychologists, the answer lies in the habits they’ve developed behind the scenes.
These aren’t just the typical productivity tips you hear about—they’re subtle, often unnoticed behaviors that set successful people apart from the rest.
If you’re curious about what separates the highly successful from everyone else, you’re in the right place.
Here are nine secret habits, backed by psychology, that could change the way you approach your goals.
1) They prioritize self-care
Successful people understand that in order to function at their best, they need to take care of themselves.
So they make prioritize self-care, no matter how busy they are. This includes:
- Regular exercise
- A balanced diet
- Sufficient sleep
- Mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga
You’ll notice that highly successful individuals don’t make excuses when it comes to taking care of their health.
They don’t put it off for later or treat it as a luxury. Instead, they see it as a non-negotiable aspect of their daily routine.
Moreover, they understand the importance of emotional wellbeing.
They aren’t afraid to seek help when needed, whether that’s chatting with a friend about a stressful day or consulting with a mental health professional.
In essence, they know that self-care is not selfish but essential for prolonged success and happiness.
2) They set SMART goals
Have you ever noticed how successful people always seem to have a clear vision of what they want to achieve?
That’s because they set SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Instead of vague aspirations, successful individuals have precise targets.
They don’t just say they want to be rich or successful.
Instead, they define what success looks like for them in clear, quantifiable terms.
They break down their larger goals into smaller tasks.
This makes their dreams more manageable and less overwhelming. It also gives them a clear path to follow and a sense of achievement as they tick off each smaller goal.
Their goals are not just wishful thinking. They’re realistic and relevant to their lives.
They also set a timeframe for achieving these goals which creates a sense of urgency and keeps them motivated.
In short, they know where they’re going and they have a clear roadmap to get there.
3) They embrace failure
While many of us fear failure and view it as a setback, successful people have a different perspective.
They see failure not as an end but as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Instead of being disheartened by their mistakes, they analyze what went wrong, learn from it, and use this knowledge to improve their future efforts.
They understand that failure is an inevitable part of the journey to success.
Thanks to this mindset, they don’t let their failures define them.
Instead, they use these experiences to build resilience and perseverance.
They treat each failure as a stepping stone on the path to their goals.
4) They say no
It’s easy to think that saying yes to every opportunity that comes your way is the key to success.
But the truth is, successful people understand the value of saying no.
They know that time is their most valuable asset and they cannot afford to spread themselves too thin.
They realise that not every opportunity aligns with their goals or values and it’s important to stay focused on what truly matters.
They’re not afraid to turn down tasks, projects, or even social events that don’t contribute to their overall goals.
They understand that by saying no to what’s not important, they’re saying yes to what is.
It’s not about being selfish or rude, it’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing their time and energy.
Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about doing everything – it’s about doing the right things.
5) They practice gratitude
In the midst of their busy lives and relentless pursuit of success, highly successful people make time to acknowledge the good in their lives.
How?
They understand that their journey to success isn’t a solo endeavor.
They appreciate the roles that mentors, colleagues, family, and even challenges, have played in their journey.
That’s why you often see successful people taking time every day to reflect on what they’re thankful for. It might be:
- A supportive friend
- A lesson learnt
- A simple pleasure like a warm cup of coffee
This practice helps them maintain a positive outlook and fosters resilience in the face of adversity.
Moreover, by recognizing and appreciating the value in their lives, they create a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity.
Thus, the habit of gratitude not only enhances their emotional wellbeing but also nurtures their relationships and contributes to their overall success.
6) They take breaks
While it might seem like successful people are always on the go, the truth is they understand the importance of taking breaks.
They know that all work and no play isn’t a sustainable strategy for success.
They value their downtime and use it to recharge, relax, and reflect.
Whether it’s taking a short walk in the middle of a busy day, spending time with loved ones, or indulging in a hobby, successful people make sure to balance work with leisure.
Taking breaks is not a sign of laziness, but a necessary part of maintaining mental clarity and productivity.
Successful people know that their best ideas come when they’re not actively trying to solve a problem, but when they’re relaxed and their minds are at ease.
That’s what sets successful people apart from the rest.
They realize that to stay on top of their game, they must give themselves permission to pause, recharge, and come back stronger.
7) They laugh often
Amidst the seriousness of chasing goals and accumulating achievements, successful people never forget the power of a good laugh.
They understand that a sense of humor is not just about entertaining others but also about maintaining a balanced perspective on life. Laughter helps them:
- Relieve stress
- Bond with others
- Approach challenges with positivity
Whether it’s sharing a joke with colleagues, watching a comedy show, or simply laughing at their own mistakes, successful people embrace the joy of laughter.
After all, success isn’t just about the destination but also about enjoying the journey.
And what better way to enjoy life’s journey than with a hearty laugh?
8) They ditch the excuses
Successful people know that excuses are the enemy of progress.
They understand that every minute spent making an excuse is a minute lost from creating solutions.
So they don’t blame their circumstances, their past, or other people for their failures.
Instead, they take full responsibility for their actions and their outcomes.
If they make a mistake, they own up to it. If they fail, they dust themselves off and try again.
They don’t let anything or anyone become a crutch for their shortcomings.
Success isn’t handed to anyone on a silver platter. It’s earned through hard work, perseverance, and above all, personal responsibility.
Successful people know the buck stops with them and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
9) They never stop learning
The most important secret habit of successful people is their insatiable hunger for knowledge.
They understand that learning doesn’t stop with a degree or a certificate, it’s a lifelong journey.
That’s why you will notice these individuals always looking for opportunities to grow, whether it’s reading a book, attending a seminar, or learning from their own mistakes.
Unlike many of us, they’re not afraid to step out of their comfort zone to acquire new skills or knowledge.
The world is constantly changing and to stay ahead, we need to keep evolving.
To do so, we should seek to view every day as an opportunity to learn something new and improve ourselves.
In conclusion
Success isn’t born overnight. It’s the result of consistent habits, a positive mindset, and a commitment to personal growth.
These nine habits allow successful people to maintain focus, resilience, and motivation, and they can help you do the same.
So take some time to reflect on your habits.
Are you already practicing any of these habits of successful people?
If not, which ones could you start integrating into your daily routine?
What would Jesus say?
Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?
Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.
We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.
