Advice about success is everywhere, but not all of it works in real life.
First of all, life isn’t one-size-fits-all, and there’s no way a single line of advice can apply across the board. Many so-called gurus warn against certain habits, yet plenty of genuinely successful people embrace them and actually love them. These are the surprising moves that actually help them get ahead, even if the “experts” don’t agree.
1. They say no often.
Standard advice says you should always say yes to opportunities, but spreading yourself too thin kills focus. Successful people protect their time fiercely, which means they often say no to things that don’t fit their priorities. You can learn from this by getting clear on your main goals. Saying no might feel uncomfortable at first, but it leaves room for the projects and relationships that truly matter to you.
2. They admit what they don’t know.
Gurus often preach confidence at all costs, but pretending to know everything blocks growth. Successful people are quick to admit gaps in their knowledge because it opens the door to learning and collaboration. Adopt this habit in your own life by being upfront about what you’re unsure of. People respect honesty, and it usually leads to better solutions than bluffing your way through.
3. They don’t chase balance constantly.
Many voices insist work-life balance should always be perfect, but success often comes in sprints. Successful people know some seasons demand extra effort, while others allow more downtime, and they’re okay with that ebb and flow. Handle it by recognising which season you’re in. Instead of forcing balance all the time, give full focus when it’s needed and allow yourself to rest when you can.
4. They change direction.
Gurus often say you should stick to one thing relentlessly, but clinging to the wrong path wastes years. Successful people aren’t afraid to pivot when something isn’t working, even if it means abandoning sunk costs. Put it into practice in your own life by staying flexible. If a project, job, or approach clearly isn’t delivering, changing direction is often smarter than grinding it out for appearances’ sake.
5. They break routines sometimes.
Self-help advice tends to glorify rigid routines, but strict schedules can stifle creativity. Successful people know when to step outside their habits to spark fresh ideas or adapt to new challenges. You can definitely benefit by allowing flexibility in your routines. Keep the parts that ground you but mix things up when monotony dulls your energy or when life throws new demands at you.
6. They ignore some feedback.
We’re often told to take every piece of feedback seriously, yet successful people filter it. Not all advice is relevant, and following it blindly can dilute your vision or slow progress. Practise being a bit choosier by weighing feedback against your goals. Take on board what helps you grow and leave behind what doesn’t align, without feeling guilty about it.
7. They don’t always hustle nonstop.
Gurus glorify the grind, but endless hustle leads to burnout. Successful people know when to push hard and when to rest because sustainability matters more than constant intensity. Be smart by checking in with your energy levels. Choosing strategic bursts of effort instead of round-the-clock hustle keeps you sharp and motivated long-term.
8. They take risks other people avoid
Advice often leans towards playing it safe, but sticking with the secure choice can mean missing out. Successful people take calculated risks, knowing that progress usually involves stepping into uncertainty. Put it into practice by weighing the potential gain against the real downside. If the risk is manageable and the reward is significant, leaning in could move you forward faster than playing safe.
9. They work with imperfect timing.
Many gurus insist you should wait for the perfect moment, but successful people rarely do. They act even when conditions aren’t flawless, trusting that momentum beats hesitation almost every time. You can use this by starting before you feel fully ready. Progress builds clarity, and waiting for perfection usually means you never get off the ground.
10. They break their own rules.
We’re often told to set strict rules for ourselves and stick to them, but success sometimes means knowing when to bend them. Rigidity makes you brittle in the face of change. You can follow this by reviewing your own rules regularly. If they no longer serve you, adapt them. Flexibility allows growth, while stubbornness holds you back.
11. They let emotions guide them.
Advice often says decisions should be totally rational, but successful people use their emotions as signals. Gut feelings, when combined with logic, often point to truths that numbers alone can’t capture. Get good at this by paying attention to how choices make you feel. If something excites you or drains you, use that information alongside facts to make stronger decisions.
12. They stop chasing approval.
Many gurus push the idea of pleasing everyone, but successful people understand that universal approval is impossible. Chasing it wastes energy and often leads you away from what matters most. You can adopt this by focusing on the audience, clients, or peers who truly matter. Trying to win over everyone dilutes your impact, but serving the right people creates real success.
