5 things successful people never waste their time on, according to psychology

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, yet some people seem to accomplish so much more with their time. What sets these high achievers apart?

Well, it’s not just about what they do—it’s also about what they don’t do. Successful people understand that time is their most valuable resource, and they guard it fiercely.

While the rest of us may get caught up in distractions, excuses, or unproductive habits, those who reach the top make conscious choices to avoid wasting time on things that don’t serve their goals.

In this article, we’ll explore five such things successful people never waste their time on. Ready to reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters?

Let’s dive in.

1) Multitasking

How often do you find yourself switching between tasks, thinking you’re getting more done, only to end the day feeling like you’ve accomplished nothing meaningful?

It’s a common misconception that successful people are great at multitasking.

In reality, they understand that it’s more effective to focus on one task at a time. Psychology supports this. In fact, according to some research, multitasking reduces productivity by as much as 40%. Yes, 40%!

More than that, it often leads to mistakes, lack of detail, and overall lower quality of work. It’s a pitfall that successful people avoid.

Instead, they prioritize their tasks and dedicate their full attention to each one in turn. They understand the value of deep work and the impact it can have on their productivity and success.

2) Procrastination

I’ve learned this one the hard way. 

There was a time when I’d constantly push off important tasks, telling myself, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” But tomorrow would bring a new set of tasks, and the cycle would continue.

Eventually, I realized that this approach was holding me back. It was creating unnecessary stress and preventing me from reaching my full potential.

Famous psychologist William James once said, “Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.” This quote resonated with me deeply.

Now, I tackle challenging tasks head-on as soon as they arise. By doing so, I’ve discovered an increase in productivity and a decrease in stress levels.

Don’t let procrastination get in your way. Tackle those tough tasks right away and enjoy the satisfaction and relief that comes with completion.

3) Negativity

Let’s be brutally honest here – success and negativity just don’t mix.

One of my favorite quotes is from psychologist Martin Seligman, who is often called the father of positive psychology. He said:

“Optimism is invaluable for the meaningful life. With a firm belief in a positive future, you can throw yourself into the service of that which is larger than you are.”

In my own journey toward success, I’ve faced moments of self-doubt and pessimism. But I’ve learned that dwelling on these negative thoughts only pulls me further away from my goals.

Successful people don’t waste time wallowing in negativity. Instead, they consciously cultivate an optimistic mindset. They understand that setbacks are temporary and serve as stepping-stones to their eventual success.

Your mindset plays a crucial role in your journey to success. Embrace positivity and leave no room for negativity in your life. Justin Brown makes this point in his video below about how your beliefs can make you very unhappy without realizing it.

4) Being busy all the time

Contrary to popular belief, successful people don’t equate being busy with being productive. They understand that constantly rushing from one task to another doesn’t necessarily mean they’re getting more done.

Research backs this up. For instance, one study showed that those who work 70 hours a week get no more done than those who work 55 hours a week. We have limits, folks!

Without proper rest, our productivity suffers, decision-making skills falter, and creativity wanes. Successful people know this and ensure they make time for rest and rejuvenation.

Take note: it’s not about how busy you are. It’s about how productive you are. And sometimes, the key to productivity is knowing when to take a step back and rest.

5) Trying to please everyone

“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time” –  John Lydgate

This timeless quote captures a critical truth: trying to please everyone is not only impossible but also a colossal waste of time.

The truly successful people among us recognize that seeking universal approval is a losing game. It dilutes their focus, drains their energy, and, ultimately, it distracts them from their goals.

Take it from my own experience—there was a time when I bent over backward to keep everyone happy. I was constantly worried about others’ opinions, whether it was colleagues, friends, or even acquaintances.

But over time, I realized that trying to meet everyone’s expectations left me exhausted and frustrated. It was a no-win situation.

Once I let go of the need to please everyone, I found that my productivity and satisfaction skyrocketed. I could finally focus on what truly mattered to me without the burden of constant approval-seeking.

Successful individuals understand the importance of setting boundaries and being selective about whose opinions they value.

They choose to focus on their own path, knowing that trying to please everyone often means pleasing no one, including themselves.

Conclusion

The way you spend your time defines the life you create.

Successful people understand this deeply, which is why they consciously avoid activities that don’t serve their goals.

They steer clear of things like multitasking, procrastination, negativity, busyness for the sake of busyness, and the endless pursuit of pleasing everyone.

By focusing their energy on what truly matters and cutting out these time-wasters, they’ve unlocked the secret to achieving more in the same 24 hours we all have.

So ask yourself: what are you wasting your time on? And more importantly, what can you start eliminating today to reclaim your time and drive your success?

It’s not just about what you do—it’s about what you don’t do. Make the conscious choice to protect your time, and you’ll find that success becomes not just a possibility, but a reality.