What separates the most successful people from the rest isn’t just what they do—it’s what they no longer waste time or energy on. As they rise, they become more intentional about cutting habits, mindsets, and behaviors that hold them back. Letting go of what no longer serves them is just as powerful as chasing new goals. In this article, we’ll look at 20 specific habits that high achievers have deliberately left behind—and how doing the same could transform your own path to success.
The most successful people refuse to let past setbacks define their present or future. Instead of replaying mistakes, they analyze what went wrong, extract valuable lessons, and move forward with clarity. Take Oprah Winfrey, who overcame early career setbacks by focusing on growth rather than regret. This mindset turns failures into stepping stones, not roadblocks. By channeling energy into future improvements instead of lingering on missteps, top achievers keep momentum—and confidence—on their side.
Successful individuals have learned to ditch procrastination, especially when it comes to high-priority tasks. Rather than putting off crucial decisions or projects, they tackle them head-on, often by breaking large goals into manageable steps. For example, Elon Musk is known for dividing major initiatives into actionable components, ensuring steady progress. By confronting important work early, top achievers reduce stress and maintain momentum, setting themselves apart from those still stuck in delay mode.
Rather than pointing fingers, highly successful people embrace personal responsibility when challenges arise. In workplaces where blame is common, trust erodes and progress stalls. By owning their mistakes and focusing on solutions, leaders like Satya Nadella at Microsoft have fostered cultures of accountability. This honest approach not only builds stronger teams but also accelerates growth, as everyone feels empowered to contribute and learn—without fear of unfair criticism.
Top achievers know that well-being fuels success, so they no longer sacrifice self-care for productivity. Leaders like Arianna Huffington have championed the importance of sleep, exercise, and mindfulness in achieving sustainable results. Many high performers schedule downtime and regular workouts just as they would an important meeting, understanding that mental clarity and energy are essential for creativity and resilience. By making health a non-negotiable part of their routines, successful people avoid burnout and maintain peak performance over the long term.
The most successful people have left self-doubt and harsh inner criticism behind. Instead of letting negative self-talk shape their actions, they practice constructive self-reflection—focusing on solutions and growth rather than self-blame. This shift helps foster resilience and confidence, allowing them to recover quickly from setbacks and pursue new challenges with a positive mindset. By silencing the inner critic, they open the door to greater achievement and personal fulfillment.
Successful individuals no longer dismiss constructive criticism; instead, they actively seek out feedback to drive growth. Leaders like Indra Nooyi have credited their progress to listening to a wide range of perspectives. Whether it’s from mentors, peers, or team members, feedback becomes a valuable tool for continuous improvement. By embracing outside input, top performers refine their skills, strengthen relationships, and stay agile in a rapidly changing world.
One hallmark of success is choosing to distance oneself from toxic influences. High achievers recognize that negative, critical, or manipulative individuals can drain energy and undermine progress. Instead, they cultivate supportive, collaborative networks filled with people who inspire, challenge, and uplift them. This positive environment fuels creativity and optimism, while helping to maintain consistent motivation. By making intentional choices about their inner circle, successful people protect their mental health and set the stage for long-term achievement.
Top performers have moved away from constant multitasking, recognizing its drain on productivity and quality. Research shows that splitting attention between tasks leads to more mistakes and less creative thinking. Successful people, inspired by concepts like deep work, focus intently on one priority at a time. This approach not only boosts efficiency but also results in higher-quality outcomes, giving them a distinct edge in competitive fields.
The most successful people have learned to reject complacency and actively seek growth beyond their comfort zones. Leaders like Richard Branson are known for embracing new challenges and stepping into uncertainty to fuel innovation. By consistently pushing boundaries, top achievers develop resilience, adaptability, and fresh perspectives. This ongoing pursuit of growth not only accelerates personal development but also opens doors to unexpected opportunities that would remain hidden in the safety of the familiar.
High achievers have moved past the urge to please everyone by saying yes to every request. They understand that overcommitment leads to diluted focus and mediocre results. By learning the art of the strategic ‘no’, successful people protect their energy for projects that truly matter. Setting clear boundaries allows them to invest in high-impact opportunities and maintain balance. This deliberate selectivity is a key factor in their ability to achieve remarkable outcomes without burning out.
The world’s most successful people have abandoned financial recklessness in favor of smart money management. They prioritize budgeting, saving, and strategic investing, understanding that wealth is built over time through disciplined habits. Icons like Warren Buffett are living proof that steady, thoughtful financial decisions lead to lasting prosperity. By making wise choices and avoiding impulsive spending, top performers ensure their resources work for them, not against them.
Top performers no longer shy away from challenging discussions. Instead of letting problems fester, they address conflicts directly and with empathy, fostering open and honest communication. This proactive approach builds trust and prevents misunderstandings from escalating. In contrast, avoiding tough conversations often leads to resentment and unresolved tension. By embracing candid dialogue, successful people create healthier relationships and more resilient teams—essential ingredients for sustained achievement.
The most successful people have stopped chasing perfection, realizing that it often leads to stagnation and missed opportunities. Instead, they focus on progress, adaptability, and learning from each iteration. In fast-moving industries, releasing a good product and refining it over time beats waiting for flawless results. This mindset allows top performers to stay agile, respond quickly to feedback, and continually improve—leaving perfectionism behind in favor of real, measurable growth.
Long-term achievers understand that sustainable success requires more than relentless hustle. They’ve replaced the old ‘always on’ mentality with purposeful strategies that make time for family, hobbies, and much-needed rest. Leaders like Sheryl Sandberg have spoken about the importance of boundaries and personal fulfillment outside of work. By honoring work-life balance, successful people recharge their creativity and maintain motivation, proving that real achievement is about thriving in all areas of life—not just the office.
Successful people choose to let go of grudges, understanding that resentment only weighs them down. By practicing forgiveness, they free up energy and mental space for innovation and collaboration. Leaders like Nelson Mandela famously prioritized reconciliation over lingering anger, building bridges where others saw divides. This ability to move on empowers achievers to focus on shared goals and productive relationships, rather than being trapped by the past.
Top achievers have stopped waiting for perfect timing before making a move. They know that ideal conditions are rare, and indecision can mean missed opportunities. By choosing to act boldly—often in the face of uncertainty—they create momentum and open the door to unexpected breakthroughs. Entrepreneurs like Sara Blakely built empires by launching before everything was perfectly aligned, proving that decisive action is far more valuable than endless preparation.
Successful individuals have moved beyond the trap of constant comparison with others. Instead, they set personal benchmarks and measure progress against their own goals and values. This inward focus encourages authentic growth and sparks true innovation, as they’re free to pursue unique ideas without distraction or envy. By embracing their own journey, top achievers build confidence and unlock potential that’s not limited by external standards.
The most successful people have made lifelong learning a core value, never assuming their education is complete. Whether it’s a tech visionary like Bill Gates reading voraciously or creative entrepreneurs constantly refining their craft, top performers stay curious and adaptable. They invest in new skills, attend workshops, and seek out mentors, staying ahead in fast-evolving industries. This ongoing commitment to growth ensures they remain innovative, relevant, and ready to seize new opportunities as they arise.
Successful leaders have learned to let go of micromanagement, shifting from controlling every detail to empowering their teams. They understand that trust and effective delegation are essential for fostering innovation and building morale. By giving others autonomy, they encourage creativity and ownership, which leads to better solutions and higher engagement. This evolution from oversight to empowerment is a hallmark of teams that consistently outperform and grow together.
The most successful people have learned never to compromise their core values, no matter the circumstances. Integrity and authenticity guide every major decision they make. Leaders like Howard Schultz of Starbucks have built enduring legacies by staying true to their principles, even when faced with tough choices. By aligning actions with beliefs, they earn lasting respect and create positive, far-reaching impact—proving that real success is always rooted in strong personal values.
The highest achievers stand apart not only by what they pursue, but also by what they’ve chosen to leave behind. From letting go of self-doubt and toxic relationships to embracing feedback, self-care, and continual learning, these shifts in behavior lay the foundation for lasting success. Take a moment to reflect: Which old habits might be holding you back? True growth often comes from shedding what no longer serves you. Start letting go—and watch new opportunities unfold.