The 12 Things Successful People Never Do: A Guide to Thriving
The 12 Things Successful People Never Do: A Guide to Thriving⌗
Success isn’t just built on the actions you take—it’s also forged by the choices you make about what to avoid. In this post, we’ll explore 12 behaviors and mindsets that successful people consciously reject. By understanding and applying these principles, you’ll be better equipped to build productive habits, foster personal growth, and become a more effective leader.
1. Never Let Fear Control You⌗
Fear is a natural part of the human experience. Yet, as Susan Jeffers explains in Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, letting fear dictate your actions can paralyze your potential. Successful people acknowledge fear but act with courage, recognizing that temporary discomfort paves the way for long-term gains.
2. Never Allow Excuses⌗
Taking responsibility lies at the heart of personal accountability. Stephen Covey’s first habit in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “Be Proactive,” teaches that excuses strip you of the power to shape your own destiny. By refusing to make excuses, successful individuals shift their energy toward solutions and growth.
3. Never Lose Focus⌗
Focus is your secret weapon in a world brimming with distractions. Cal Newport’s Deep Work reminds us that the ability to concentrate deeply is a critical competitive advantage. Successful people guard their time and attention, ensuring every action propels them closer to their goals.
4. Never Dwell on the Past⌗
The past is a valuable teacher—but it’s not a place to live. Drawing from Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now, successful individuals learn from previous experiences without letting mistakes or triumphs hinder their progress. They stay rooted in the present, where action and change happen.
5. Never Waste Time on Negativity⌗
Negativity—whether from toxic environments or self-defeating thoughts—drains your energy. Research from positive psychology, echoed in Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage, shows that successful people reframe challenges as opportunities. They cultivate a mindset of optimism and resilience.
6. Never Compare Yourself to Others⌗
Comparison is a silent thief of joy and progress. Instead of measuring their journey against someone else’s, successful individuals focus on their own growth. They understand that every path is unique—a sentiment echoed in self-improvement teachings that prioritize individual progress over external validation.
7. Never Let Emotions Control You⌗
Emotional intelligence is vital for leadership and personal growth. Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence highlights that managing emotions leads to better decision-making and stronger relationships. Successful people treat emotions as data—not dictators—to guide their actions wisely.
8. Never Waste Your Precious Time⌗
Time is your most valuable asset. Inspired by David Allen’s Getting Things Done and Covey’s time management matrix, successful individuals treat every minute as an investment. They prioritize tasks aligned with long-term goals, sidestepping procrastination and perfectionism.
9. Never Surround Yourself with Toxic Influences⌗
Your social circle profoundly shapes your mindset and achievements. Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Successful people choose companions who inspire, challenge, and support them, setting firm boundaries against negativity.
10. Never Stay Stagnant⌗
A commitment to continuous improvement drives sustained success. Embracing a growth mindset—popularized by Carol Dweck in Mindset: The New Psychology of Success—means viewing challenges as opportunities to learn. For successful people, stagnation is simply not an option.
11. Never Compromise Your Values⌗
Integrity and authenticity are the cornerstones of true success. From Covey’s emphasis on principles to Robin Sharma’s writings, leadership literature stresses the importance of clear values. When decisions align with core beliefs, you build trust—with yourself and others—unlocking opportunities and respect.
12. Never Stop Believing in Your Potential⌗
Belief in your capacity to learn, adapt, and grow is a powerful force. Carol Dweck’s research shows that a growth mindset helps you overcome setbacks and push beyond perceived limits. When you never stop believing in your potential, you create a self-fulfilling prophecy of success.
Conclusion⌗
Success isn’t just about the positive actions you take—it’s also about the negative choices you consciously avoid. By steering clear of fear, excuses, distractions, and negativity, and by surrounding yourself with positivity, you create an environment that fosters growth, productivity, and authentic leadership.
These 12 principles draw from a rich tradition of personal development—from Stephen Covey’s timeless habits to Carol Dweck’s insights on growth mindset. Embrace them, and you’ll not only eliminate the habits holding you back but also pave a clear path to your highest potential.
Ready to transform your life? Let’s commit to these principles together and watch disciplined avoidance become the foundation for your success.
References⌗
- Jeffers, S. (Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway)
- Covey, S. (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People)
- Newport, C. (Deep Work)
- Tolle, E. (The Power of Now)
- Achor, S. (The Happiness Advantage)
- Goleman, D. (Emotional Intelligence)
- Allen, D. (Getting Things Done)
- Dweck, C. (Mindset: The New Psychology of Success)