Three Peculiar Habits of Successful People That Drive Their Success

It’s Not What You Think

When you ask people what they would do if they were successful, many will list non-stop activities like shopping, partying, and traveling to exotic places. This is how they imagine the lifestyle of the successful, believing their lives are a constant whirlwind of excitement.

As a life and business coach, I spend countless hours listening to people who want to overcome obstacles and achieve their own version of success. Often, they try to replicate the big, visible things they see others do. How many of us have wanted to invest like Warren Buffett or get fit like The Rock?

Images and news stories about successful people often give us a concentrated glimpse of their 'busy' lives. But the truth is, most successful people live quite routine, even 'boring' lives.

What I’ve learned from being around wealthy individuals is that the small, daily habits are just as important—if not more—than the big actions we see. In fact, most of us never notice the small things they do. We think we know what their lives are like, but in reality, it’s not what we expect at all.

The idea that rich people are constantly partying, drinking, and shopping is largely influenced by media portrayals and pop culture, but in reality, this perception doesn't hold true for most wealthy individuals. While some may indulge in a lavish lifestyle, many successful and wealthy people live with far more restraint and focus than what is commonly believed. Here’s a closer look at whether the rich actually party, drink, and shop as much as we think.

Do Rich People Party All the Time?

While there are certainly some wealthy individuals who enjoy social events and extravagant parties, the majority of rich people—especially those who are self-made or focused on maintaining and growing their wealth—don't prioritize partying.

Many successful people value their time and energy too much to spend it on constant celebrations. Instead, they often opt for social gatherings that are productive or aligned with their goals, such as networking events, business functions, or charity galas.

For example, many wealthy entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders are highly disciplined with their schedules, focusing more on personal growth, business expansion, or family time than wild partying. They know that excessive partying can be draining and take away from their ability to perform at their best.

Do Rich People Drink a Lot?

The idea that wealth equates to excessive drinking is also exaggerated. While some wealthy individuals may enjoy fine wines, exclusive cocktails, or top-shelf liquor, many successful people actually avoid drinking excessively because they value their health, mental clarity, and productivity.

Many high-performing individuals in business, sports, and entertainment avoid alcohol or limit their intake, understanding that it can impair their decision-making, slow down productivity, and have negative long-term effects on their health. For example, well-known figures like Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and Warren Buffet are known for prioritizing their health and focus over indulgence in alcohol.

In fact, some wealthy people even practice abstinence from alcohol or engage in regular detoxes to maintain optimal health and performance.

Do Rich People Shop as Much as We Think?

While some rich people might enjoy luxury shopping, most wealthy individuals are far more intentional with their purchases than the media suggests. Many successful people are surprisingly frugal, avoiding the temptation of flashy purchases and instead investing in assets that generate long-term wealth.

A number of millionaires and billionaires, such as Mark Zuckerberg and Warren Buffet, are famously modest with their spending habits. Buffet, for example, still lives in the same modest home he purchased in 1958. For these individuals, money is often seen as a tool for creating opportunities, building businesses, or securing their financial future—not just for buying more things.

While some rich people enjoy luxury goods, they often view expensive shopping as a reward after hard work, rather than a daily habit.

Based on my experiences over the past 30 years, I've identified three common habits shared by all the successful people I've met.

1. They Limit Access to News Cycles

In today’s 24/7 news culture, it’s easy to get swept up in the constant barrage of headlines, opinion pieces, and bad news. However, successful people take a different approach: they are very selective about the news they consume. Rather than allowing themselves to be bombarded by sensational stories or negative opinions, they curate their news feeds carefully, opting for sources that deliver factual, relevant information without the emotional rollercoaster.

Most successful individuals understand that the media is often driven by negativity and controversy, which can create unnecessary stress or distraction. Instead of spending hours reading through every news story or scrolling through social media, they dedicate limited time to consume only what’s important, often setting specific windows during the week or month to catch up on global events, never daily.

By doing this, they protect their mental energy and stay focused on what truly matters. This habit allows them to make informed decisions without getting bogged down by information overload or the opinions of others.

2. They Are Selective With Their Social Circles

You’ve likely heard the saying, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Successful people take this to heart. They are extremely careful about who they surround themselves with, knowing that the company they keep has a direct impact on their mindset, behavior, and ultimately, their success.

Rather than spending time with people who drain their energy, distract them, or engage in negative habits, successful people seek out relationships that inspire growth, accountability, and positivity. This might mean cutting ties with toxic or unproductive friendships or limiting time spent with individuals who aren't aligned with their goals.

Building a strong, supportive network ensures that they are surrounded by people who encourage and motivate them to be better versions of themselves. They invest in relationships that challenge them intellectually and emotionally, fostering a community that helps elevate their success.

3. They Maintain Simple, Effective Routines

While the lives of successful people may appear glamorous from the outside, many of them follow what others might consider a “boring” routine. However, these routines are anything but dull to those who stick to them. They are simple yet highly effective structures designed to minimize decision fatigue and maximize productivity.

Successful individuals often have a morning ritual, daily workout routine, or specific hours set aside for focused work. They know that these habits build consistency and discipline, allowing them to maintain their energy and focus over the long haul. Their routines usually prioritize self-care, whether that means regular exercise, meditation, reading, or reflection. By sticking to these seemingly mundane habits, they preserve their mental clarity and well-being.

Interestingly, they allow only a small window for introducing new habits or activities. This ensures that their routines remain strong without being derailed by too many new inputs at once. The idea is to build mastery in areas that count rather than being scattered across many different endeavors. It might seem restrictive to some, but this focus on simplicity and consistency is a crucial part of what allows them to achieve so much.

Conclusion

These three peculiar habits—limiting access to news cycles, being selective with their social circles, and maintaining simple yet effective routines—are key to the success and fulfillment of high achievers. These practices may seem unconventional or even a little dull to the outside observer, but they are rooted in the belief that clarity, focus, and intentionality are the real building blocks of a successful life. If you want to reach your highest potential, it might be time to adopt some of these habits yourself!

mycoach@ddrmlife.com