17 Habits Successful People Do Differently

7. Taking Calculated Risks

Thoughtful risk-taking is a defining trait of highly successful people. Rather than playing it safe or acting impulsively, they analyze potential outcomes, weigh pros and cons, and proceed with informed confidence. This approach fuels innovation and opens doors to extraordinary achievements.

For example, Jeff Bezos took a bold but calculated risk by leaving his stable job to launch Amazon, transforming the retail landscape. In contrast, avoiding risk often leads to missed opportunities and stagnation. Explore effective risk-taking strategies at Harvard Business Review.

8. Practicing Gratitude

Expressing gratitude is a powerful habit that successful people use to enhance their morale and maintain motivation. Regularly acknowledging and appreciating both big and small victories fosters a positive outlook and resilience. In contrast, feelings of entitlement can lead to chronic dissatisfaction and hinder progress.

Arianna Huffington is known for her daily gratitude rituals, crediting them with improving her well-being and leadership. Integrating gratitude into daily life can transform perspectives and relationships. Discover the science and benefits of gratitude at Greater Good Magazine.

9. Exercising Regularly

Prioritizing physical health is a habit shared by many successful people, as regular exercise boosts energy, sharpens focus, and elevates mood. Unlike sedentary lifestyles, which can contribute to fatigue and decreased productivity, an active routine supports both body and mind.

Barack Obama famously incorporates daily workouts into his schedule, crediting exercise with helping him manage stress and maintain clarity during his presidency. Making movement a non-negotiable part of the day is a proven strategy for sustained success. Learn more about the benefits of physical activity at the CDC.

10. Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness—the practice of being fully present—offers significant benefits for focus, decision-making, and stress reduction. Successful individuals often incorporate meditation or mindful activities into their routines to center themselves and maintain clarity. This contrasts with habitual multitasking or mindlessness, which can scatter attention and increase anxiety.

Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, attributes much of his success to a daily meditation practice that grounds him and sharpens his thinking. Embracing mindfulness enables greater resilience and well-being. Discover how to get started with mindfulness at Mindful.org.

11. Accepting Failure as Feedback

Viewing setbacks as learning opportunities is a defining habit of successful individuals. Instead of seeing failure as a defeat, they analyze what went wrong, adapt, and persist with renewed strategies. This contrasts sharply with those who give up after encountering obstacles, missing out on valuable growth.

Thomas Edison famously embraced this mindset, treating each unsuccessful attempt as a step closer to inventing the lightbulb. His relentless persistence exemplifies how reframing failure can drive innovation and resilience. Explore more stories of initial setbacks turned into success at Business Insider.

12. Giving Back to Others

Philanthropy and mentorship are fundamental to the lives of many high achievers, enriching both their own sense of purpose and the broader community. By investing time, resources, or knowledge in others, they create lasting positive impact and foster a cycle of generosity. In contrast, self-centeredness can limit growth and meaningful relationships.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation exemplifies large-scale giving, addressing global challenges through strategic philanthropy. Many successful people find fulfillment in serving others. Discover reputable ways to give back and make a difference at Charity Navigator.

13. Focusing on Solutions

Seeking solutions rather than fixating on problems is a habit that drives progress and innovation. Successful people quickly shift their mindset from identifying obstacles to brainstorming actionable steps forward. This proactive approach encourages creativity and resourcefulness, whereas dwelling on issues can lead to frustration and stagnation.

Steve Jobs was renowned for his relentless focus on problem-solving, transforming setbacks into opportunities for breakthrough products. Adopting a solution-focused mindset empowers individuals and teams to overcome challenges efficiently. Learn more about this powerful approach at the American Psychological Association.

14. Leveraging Strengths

Maximizing personal strengths is a key habit among successful individuals, allowing them to excel by focusing on what they do best. Rather than expending excess energy on correcting weaknesses, they invest in developing their natural talents, which leads to greater confidence, productivity, and satisfaction.

Tools like the Gallup StrengthsFinder help people identify and capitalize on their unique abilities. This targeted approach contrasts with the common tendency to dwell on shortcomings, and it often results in higher achievement and fulfillment. Learn more about leveraging strengths at Gallup.

15. Keeping a Growth Mindset

Believing in the capacity to grow and develop is central to the success of many high achievers. A growth mindset fuels continuous learning, resilience, and adaptability, as individuals see challenges as opportunities for improvement rather than threats. In contrast, a fixed mindset assumes abilities are static, limiting potential and innovation.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, transformed the company’s culture by encouraging employees to embrace learning and experimentation. This shift has led to remarkable progress and creativity. Discover the science behind cultivating a growth mindset at Stanford University.

16. Delegating Tasks Smartly

Effective delegation is a hallmark of accomplished leaders, enabling them to focus on high-impact priorities while empowering others to contribute their strengths. Rather than falling into the trap of micromanagement, successful people trust their teams, communicate expectations clearly, and provide support as needed.

This approach fosters collaboration, innovation, and personal growth within organizations. Many top CEOs attribute their achievements to building strong, capable teams and knowing when to let go. Mastering the art of delegation is crucial for scalability and success. Discover practical tips for smart delegation at Forbes.

17. Tracking Progress and Reflecting

Regular self-reflection and progress tracking are vital habits for continuous improvement. Successful people make time to assess their achievements, setbacks, and growth, often by journaling or reviewing performance metrics. This process helps identify what works, what needs adjustment, and how to set new goals.

Without reflection, it’s easy to repeat mistakes or lose sight of objectives. Incorporating structured review sessions leads to better decision-making and personal development. Explore the importance and methods of self-reflection at Harvard Business Review.

Conclusion

Collectively, these 17 habits form the foundation of sustained achievement and fulfillment. By setting clear goals, nurturing relationships, embracing learning, and maintaining discipline, successful individuals create a blueprint for long-term growth. Adopting these behaviors can transform not only your career but also your overall well-being and satisfaction. Whether you choose to start small or make several changes at once, these proven strategies offer a powerful path to personal and professional advancement. For further insights on building effective habits, visit James Clear’s guide to habits.