36 Things Successful People Don’t Do (You Shouldn’t Either)

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36 Traits of Highly Successful People

If you want to learn everything about the things successful people don’t do, you’re in the right place. I know how eager you are to turn your life around and adapt to the mindset of successful people, so I’m going to keep it short.

Successful people have certain habits they follow, but they also have certain things they say or never say. That’s why I decided to come up with this blog post. How do successful people think? Keep reading to find out.

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1. They Never Say, “I Don’t Get Paid Enough”

This is certainly one of the things successful people do—they never say they don’t get paid enough. It’s a no-no. I understand that there is never enough money, but instead of complaining about low wages, look for ways to make extra money.

When you work hard and develop yourself, you’ll receive good offers and opportunities to earn extra money.

It’s important to constantly develop yourself rather than wait for someone to simply offer you the opportunity. Always stay one step ahead of the competition. Actually, two steps are preferable.

2. They Never Say, “It’s Too Late”

If someone tells you that you should meet at 10 p.m., you should go meet them. You may be tired and want to put it off, but this evening’s meeting may be critical to your success and will help you level up your career ladder.

Remember that it’s never too late to make a change.

3. They Never Say, “It’s Not Possible”

Instead of declaring that the entire project is impossible to complete, consider alternative approaches. Few things are truly impossible, and people who are good at analyzing and problem-solving always get further in their careers.

Giving up portrays you as a surrenderer, and surrenderers will never get very far.

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4. They Never Say, “I Never Read Books”

According to studies, wealthy people read significantly more than poor people. Do I need to say anything else? You’ll be healthier, happier, and more financially successful if you read the right books.

Reading can help you reduce stress, boost your creativity, and broaden your knowledge.

5. They Never Say Yes to Everything

One of the secrets of successful people is that they never say yes to everything. You don’t have to say “yes” to everything all the time.

You must choose goals, projects, events, and gatherings that will truly benefit you. Don’t waste your time trying to please others.

You won’t get far in life if you always say “yes” to everything because you can’t do everything at once, and if you do a little bit of everything, you won’t do these things thoroughly.

6. They Never Say, “It Only Takes a Minute”

Saying that something only takes a minute diminishes the importance of your contribution.

This statement gives the impression that you’re rushing through things while also underestimating your abilities and skills. Instead, say that this task won’t take you long.

successful people

7. They Never Say, “I’ll Never Be Like My Boss”

Set your doubts aside and start addressing your weaknesses and developing your strengths. Understand what you enjoy in life, think critically, and identify the weak points in your surroundings.

This method allows you to understand what challenges you can use to grow your business and how you can help society. Your boss likely did it once to get to where they are now.

8. They Never Say, “I’ll Do It Later”

Delay and postponement are not good qualities. Successful people are good at managing their time, which allows them to avoid delays. Nobody benefits from postponement.

You must have a plan if you want to succeed. If you need to complete a task but don’t have time, delegate it or reconsider whether you really need to do it. If not, ignore it.

9. They Never Say, “I Did It All by Myself”

Surrounding yourself with good people who act with soul and heart and are good at what they do is the best way to get things done.

It’s always important to thank them for their help and to let everyone know that you succeeded because they helped you. Working as a group is always the most rewarding. Successful people give credit to everyone involved.

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10. They Never Say, “It’s Not My Job”

Taking all the credit is one of those things successful people don’t do. It’s just not nice. When you start a new job, you probably have a good idea of what you’ll be doing.

However, your role may change over several months or years.

Some changes are beneficial, but others will likely make you wish you had fewer responsibilities. Arrange a meeting with your boss to discuss your responsibilities.

If you’re given tasks and believe they aren’t part of your job, no matter how true this is, it will give the impression that you are lazy and unmotivated.

11. They Never Say, “I Am Not the One I Showcase, and One Day, People Will Understand”

Impostor syndrome is the belief that, at some point, others will realize that you are not as talented as they initially believed. It’s a natural reaction for those who have recently achieved success, and it’s extremely dangerous.

You must find the courage to develop your confidence and work despite the fear that you aren’t who you claim to be. Commitment, clear priorities, energy, and passion are needed for success.

You must be qualified, but you must also have a certain attitude. This attitude inspires you to set big goals and work hard to achieve them.

12. They Never Say, “We Should Meet Sometime”

Successful people build a network of people who are important to them and meet with them regularly.

There are no empty statements such as “Yeah, we should meet sometime,” but rather specific times when you meet these people. This keeps your network alive.

successful people

13. They Never Say, “I’m Not Good Enough”

Success requires an adequate level of self-esteem. You must perceive yourself as a valuable and capable person.

It’s important to pursue your true goals and abilities. You are capable of accomplishing anything you set your mind to—that’s how powerful you are.

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14. They Never Say, “I Hate This Job”

That is the absolute last thing you can say at work. It portrays you as a negative person and destroys the morale of the entire team. Your boss will most likely notice your attitude and begin to consider replacing you. Is that what you want?

15. They Never Say, “They Are Incompetent, Dumb, or Lazy”

Not badmouthing other people is one of the most valuable traits of highly successful people. Putting down and criticizing your coworkers never yields positive results.

Even if what you say is correct, it’s highly likely that others have already noticed it. If this isn’t the case, it will portray you as a negative, superficial person.

16. They Never Say, “I Don’t Know How”

Instead of giving up when they don’t find a solution right away, successful people seek solutions to problems. They never say, “I don’t know how to do it,” but they are always looking for a way to do it.

Everything is learnable. If you lack the necessary experience or skills to complete a task successfully, propose an alternative solution.

17. They Never Say, “Sorry, but I’m in a Hurry”

When an opportunity comes your way, do whatever it takes to seize it and leverage it. And if someone wants to meet with you, always make the time because you never know what opportunities the meeting may offer.

18. They Never Say, “I’m Young and I Have a Lot of Time”

Time is a strange thing. At some point, you will feel as if you have all the time in the world to accomplish your goals, only to realize that you are far from completing them. You believe you have plenty of time, but do you?

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19. They Never Say, “It’s Too Early”

It’s never too early to start planning ahead. Successful people move around, displaying themselves and their actions whenever possible. Being in the right place at the right time is an important part of success.

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20. They Never Say, “I Hope to Do It Someday”

One of the best secrets of successful people is knowing exactly what they want and how to get it.

Remember that you may never get another chance. So you shouldn’t expect something to improve on its own or some problems to be resolved without your intervention.

Take action instead of hoping. Work on projects that have a high likelihood of success. You don’t need to pray for success if you focus on work and perseverance. You’re creating it yourself.

21. They Never Say, “I Give Up”

That is exactly what successful people don’t say. When you come across an obstacle, think about how you can overcome it: get up, go around it, or even go through it.

This is how successful people react to situations that appear to outweigh them. Refusing to give up is a trait that successful people have. Of course, you will fail and make mistakes, but never give up.

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22. They Never Say, “I’m Trying”

This sentence refers to your uncertainty. Take charge of your own abilities and skills.

When you’re asked to do something, you have two choices: commit completely or suggest an alternative. Never say you’re trying, because that implies you’re not giving it your all.

23. They Never Say, “It’s Not Fair”

Life isn’t fair, and your career isn’t likely to be either. Instead of complaining, try to find solutions. If something bothers you, change it. However, don’t say that something is unfair. Take action now! Life is what you make it for yourself.

Grab the bull by the horns, and you’ll realize that life is unfair only if you allow it to be.

successful people

24. They Never Say, “I’m Probably Asking a Pretty Stupid Question Now…”

Such a sentence immediately undermines your credibility because it demonstrates your insecurity. There is no reason for others to be confident in you if you aren’t confident in yourself.

25. They Never Say, “I Don’t Need Help”

Never asking for help is also one of those things successful people don’t do. They always ask for help when needed.

You may believe that you can complete the project on your own, but teamwork is essential. When you want to be a good leader, you must be able to work well with others.

26. They Never Say, “Everything Has Been Invented Before Us”

It’s easy to believe that everything has already been done and that your small business idea is far from revolutionary. If everyone believed this, the world would stop developing.

It’s common for new ideas to be based on solutions that have already been used in similar industries.

Companies such as Spotify and Uber applied existing technologies and business models to areas where there had previously been a clear lack of innovation.

27. They Never Say, “I Can Stop Trying”

Successful people, as you’re probably aware, are guided by high standards. And because they are not afraid to accept responsibility and focus on what is most important, they rarely have to deal with satisfaction.

On the contrary, they’re always looking for new ways to better themselves and their business. The inner desire to constantly achieve new heights is what drives the most successful people to achieve even greater success.

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28. They Never Say, “Resting Is for Losers”

True success comes from getting enough rest, traveling around the world, and spending time with friends and family. When you don’t get enough rest, you’ll experience burnout, which will have a huge impact on the quality of your work.

29. They Never Say, “I Don’t Know What It Is”

This answer doesn’t solve the problem. Ignoring the problem isn’t the solution. If you don’t solve your customers’ problems, they will find someone who will.

However, keep in mind that you must always be truthful with your partners and customers. Always say, “I’m not sure what it is, but I’ll find out.”

30. They Never Say, “It’s Not in My Job Description”

A sarcastic sentence like that gives the impression that you only work as much as is needed to earn a monthly salary.

If your boss asks you to do something that has nothing to do with your job, you should first complete the task successfully before approaching your boss about your role and job responsibilities. They may change over time.

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31. They Never Say, “That’s How Things Have Always Been Done Here”

How do successful people think? Innovatively. In the age of technology, the world is changing so quickly that something created half a year ago may be entirely useless today.

The phrase “this is how things are always done here” portrays you as a lazy worker who’s afraid of change. It also makes your boss question your proactivity and adaptability.

32. They Never Say, “We Can’t Work Together”

It’s possible that you’ll be unable to work with another person because you aren’t compatible. Collaboration with others is essential for success.

Successful people find people with whom they can collaborate. And even when they’re unable to work with someone, they find a way to get along.

33. They Never Say, “I’m Not Talented Enough to Be Successful.”

When most people have doubts about their abilities, they bury them deeply and avoid confronting their fears.

When successful people have doubts or make mistakes that keep them from reaching their full potential, they try to eliminate or change them.

You can start studying at any age, in any position, or at any time. You can always learn foreign languages, programming, design, and anything else.

Analyze your strengths and weaknesses, then develop and implement a strategy for dealing with them. Remember, it’s never too late to start.

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34. They Never Say, “That’s Ok” (Over and Over Again)

Successful people understand when to walk away and not accept the situation. Don’t accept anything that interferes with or hinders your project or whatever you’re working on.

You can always leave your current job if it is causing you stress. You can also change your goals or establish boundaries.

35. They Never Say, “If Our Competitors Don’t Have or Do It, We Don’t Need It Either”

Standing still and not evolving is also one of those things successful people don’t do. One of the most effective ways to destroy your business is to imitate your competitors.

The true key to success is to identify and offer your customers things that your competitors don’t do or have.

36. They Never Say, “It’s Not My Fault”

Nobody wants to work with someone who blames everything on others. Instead of pointing out other people’s mistakes, embrace your own.

Recognizing your mistakes demonstrates character and the ability to learn from them.

A good leader accepts responsibility for mistakes that were made, even if they were not present when they happened. Accept responsibility for the failure, no matter how minor your role was in it.

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36 Things Successful People Don’t Do (You’d Be Surprised)

That’s it for this blog post about the traits of highly successful people. What are the secrets of successful people that I didn’t mention here? I’d love to hear your opinion.

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6 Comments

  1. Avatar for Shea

    Shea

    Great list! And very true! In my entrepreneurial journey I’ve quickly learned the doers and the complacent people.

  2. Avatar for Pachalo

    Pachalo

    Never gossip about other people and never complain about the system
    Cheers

  3. Avatar for Martina

    Martina

    This is very insightful! I am reminded once again of proper work ethics toward becoming a successful person. Thank you for sharing this x

  4. Avatar for Nadia

    Nadia

    These are all great points. The only one I cannot agree with is “I am happy”.
    I honestly believe that you can be happy with yourself and your progress and still stay goal oriented and head for new accomplishments.

  5. Avatar for Katherine

    Katherine

    Great list! This is so true! And I needed a reminder of some of these! Thanks so much for sharing!

  6. Avatar for Stephanie

    Stephanie

    So many great points. Very thought provoking! It’s all about your mindset. Thanks for sharing.

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