10 Things Successful People Do (That All The Gurus Tell You NOT To)
Unsplash We’ve all heard the standard advice from self-help gurus, but what if some of that advice is holding you back? Here are 10 things truly successful people do that might surprise you. The crazy thing is, they might just work!
1. They work on weekends.
Source: Unsplash Forget about that perfect work-life balance. Many successful people put in extra hours when other people are relaxing. It’s not about burnout — it’s about using quiet time to get ahead. They’re strategic about it, using weekends for deep work, planning, or learning new skills without distractions.
2. They say “no” to networking events.
Source: Unsplash Contrary to popular advice, successful people often skip generic networking events. They’re selective about their time and connections. Instead of collecting business cards, they focus on building fewer, deeper relationships. Quality trumps quantity when it comes to professional networks that actually matter.
3. They don’t always follow their passion.
Source: Unsplash “Follow your passion” sounds great, but successful people often prioritise opportunity over passion. They’re pragmatic, recognising that success can lead to passion, not just the other way around. They’re willing to dive into unsexy industries or roles if they see potential for growth and learning.
4. They embrace negative thinking.
Positive thinking has its place, but successful people also engage in strategic negative thinking. They actively consider what could go wrong and plan for it. This “defensive pessimism” helps them prepare for obstacles and reduces anxiety. It’s not about being a downer — it’s about being realistically prepared.
5. They don’t always set specific goals.
Source: Unsplash While goals are important, successful people often focus more on systems and habits. They recognise that rigid goals can be limiting. Instead, they create routines and processes that naturally lead to success. This flexibility allows them to adapt and seize unexpected opportunities.
6. They’re not always team players.
Source: Unsplash Collaboration is valuable, but successful people know when to go solo. They’re not afraid to work alone when it leads to better results. They understand that some tasks require deep, uninterrupted focus. They’re team players when it counts, but they don’t let group work hinder individual excellence.
7. They don’t always strive for work-life balance.
Source: Unsplash Instead of perfect balance, successful people often embrace work-life integration. They blend personal and professional pursuits in a way that works for them. This might mean taking calls during family time, but also handling personal matters during work hours. It’s about flexibility and overall life satisfaction, not rigid compartmentalisation.
8. They don’t always play nice.
Source: Unsplash While kindness is important, successful people know when to be assertive or even confrontational. They’re not afraid to ruffle feathers when necessary. They understand that sometimes, progress requires challenging the status quo or standing firm in negotiations. It’s not about being mean — it’s about being effective.
9. They don’t always stay in their lane.
Source: Unsplash Specialisation has its merits, but many successful people are generalists. They’re curious and willing to venture outside their expertise. This broad knowledge allows them to make unique connections and see opportunities other people miss. They’re not jacks-of-all-trades, but they’re not one-trick ponies either.
10. They don’t always prioritise self-care.
Source: Unsplash While health is crucial, successful people sometimes push their limits. They recognise that breakthroughs often come after periods of intense work. They’re not advocating burnout, but they’re willing to sacrifice short-term comfort for long-term gains. They know when to push hard and when to recover.
