8 things in life highly successful people rarely lose sleep over, says psychology

If you’ve ever wondered about the secrets of highly successful people, you’re not alone. It’s not just about their habits during waking hours, but also what they don’t lose sleep over.

Successful individuals often have a unique perspective on life’s challenges, and it’s not just about working hard or being smart. They also know how to manage their worries and stress effectively.

Psychology suggests that there are specific things that highly successful people rarely lose sleep over. These might be daily stressors for us, but for them, they’re just part of the journey.

Understanding these eight things could be the key to unlocking your own potential for success. It might not be an overnight process, but it’s definitely worth exploring.

This article aims to give you some insight into what these eight things are. So, let’s dive in and see what we can learn from those who’ve managed to strike the right balance between success and sleep.

1) Failure

Successful people often have a unique perspective on failure. To some, it may seem like a devastating blow, a cause for sleepless nights and relentless worry. But for successful individuals, failure is rarely viewed as a disaster.

Instead, they view failure as just another step on the road to success. They understand that it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up. So, instead of losing sleep over the fear of failing or even actual failures, they use these experiences as valuable lessons.

This doesn’t mean they don’t feel the sting of defeat at times. But rather than letting it consume them, they assess what went wrong and how they can improve. They know that every setback is an opportunity for a comeback.

In essence, successful people don’t see failure as something to be feared or avoided but as an essential part of growth and progress. By adopting this mindset, they are able to navigate life’s challenges without losing precious sleep over the fear of falling short.

This approach not only keeps their stress levels in check but also fuels their journey towards achieving their goals.

2) Public opinion

Many of us tend to fret over what others think of us, often losing sleep over perceived judgments or criticisms. Surprisingly, this is not the case for highly successful people.

Successful individuals understand that they cannot please everyone or control others’ opinions. They realize that public opinion is fickle and can change in an instant. Rather than getting tangled in a web of external validation, they focus on their own values, goals, and self-belief.

This is not to say they disregard all feedback. They take constructive criticism on board and use it to improve. However, they are not swayed by every negative comment or doubtful glance thrown their way.

They are comfortable in their own skin, confident in their abilities, and committed to their vision. This self-assuredness helps them to maintain a healthy perspective and keeps them from being derailed by the thoughts and opinions of others.

As a result, they can put their energy into what truly matters and avoid unnecessary anxiety that can interfere with a good night’s sleep.

3) Perfection

Perfection is a common goal for many people. We often strive for it in various aspects of our lives, from our work to our personal endeavors. However, aiming for perfection can lead to increased stress and sleepless nights.

Highly successful people understand the concept of “good enough”. Rather than striving for absolute perfection, they focus on delivering high-quality work and continually improving. They know that perfection is an illusion and that chasing it can lead to endless dissatisfaction and burnout.

The brain’s dopamine system, which is associated with feelings of reward and satisfaction, is not triggered by achieving perfection. Instead, it responds to progress.

When we see ourselves making progress towards our goals, our brains give us a shot of dopamine, which makes us feel good and motivates us to keep going.

By freeing themselves from the shackles of perfectionism, successful people can concentrate on growth and progress, leading to greater satisfaction and less stress. This approach not only fuels their success but also contributes to a better night’s sleep.

4) Asking for help

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that we need to handle everything on our own. The fear of appearing incompetent or weak can make us hesitate to ask for help when we need it. But remember, it’s okay to not have all the answers.

Successful people understand this well. They recognize that everyone, including them, has limitations and blind spots. They’re not ashamed to admit when they don’t know something or when they’re overwhelmed.

They see asking for help not as a sign of weakness, but as a strength. It’s a recognition that we all have unique skills and strengths, and by pooling our resources, we can achieve so much more than we could alone.

Asking for help allows them to learn from others, build stronger relationships, and focus on what they do best. By embracing this openness, they free themselves from unnecessary stress and anxiety, ensuring a peaceful night’s rest.

It’s all about understanding that you’re not alone in your journey, and there’s always strength in numbers.

5) The past

We’ve all experienced moments in our past that we wish we could change. Mistakes we’ve made, opportunities we’ve missed, words we wish we could take back. These thoughts can often lead to sleepless nights filled with regret.

Successful people, however, have a different perspective on the past. They recognize that it’s something that can’t be altered, no matter how much they may want to. Instead of dwelling on what has been, they focus on what can be.

They see their past mistakes not as permanent stains on their record, but as lessons learned. They understand that each experience, good or bad, has shaped them into who they are today and contributes to who they will become tomorrow.

By letting go of past regrets and focusing on the present and future, they free up mental and emotional energy. This allows them to fully commit to their goals and aspirations without being held back by what’s already happened.

This forward-looking mindset keeps unnecessary worries at bay and promotes a more restful sleep.

6) Comparisons

In today’s world of constant connectivity and social media, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. You see a friend’s vacation photos, a colleague’s promotion, or a neighbor’s new car, and suddenly your achievements seem insignificant in comparison.

Successful people, however, rarely lose sleep over such comparisons. They understand that everyone is on their own unique journey, with different starting points, paths, and paces. They know that success isn’t a race, and the only person they need to compare themselves with is who they were yesterday.

Take for instance a highly successful entrepreneur. When launching their first startup, instead of comparing their business with more established competitors, they focused on their own growth and learning.

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They saw other businesses not as benchmarks for success but as sources of inspiration and knowledge.

Concentrating on their own path and progress rather than getting caught up in comparisons, they were able to move forward without unnecessary stress or self-doubt. This mindset allowed them to work towards their goals more effectively and enjoy a more peaceful rest at the end of each day.

7) Procrastination

There’s a quote that goes, “The best way to get something done is to begin.” Procrastination, the act of delaying or postponing tasks, can be a significant roadblock on the path to success and a common cause of sleepless nights.

Highly successful people don’t entertain procrastination. They know that waiting for the ‘perfect moment’ or until they ‘feel like it’ is a surefire way to hinder progress. Success requires action, and action requires starting — even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging.

They plan their tasks, break them down into manageable chunks, and tackle them head-on. They understand that there’s no room for excuses when it comes to reaching their goals. If something needs to be done, they do it — no ifs or buts.

By banishing procrastination and embracing action, successful people stay on top of their tasks and avoid the stress and worry that comes with last-minute rushes. 

8) The journey, not just the destination

In our quest for success, it’s easy to become so focused on the end goal that we forget to appreciate the journey. We might lose sleep over the things we haven’t achieved yet, overlooking the progress we’ve already made.

But highly successful people understand the value of the journey. They know that real success isn’t just about reaching a specific destination, but about growing, learning, and evolving along the way.

They take time to celebrate their small wins, learn from their mistakes, and appreciate the experiences that shape them. They understand that each step forward, no matter how small, is a success in itself.

By appreciating the journey and not just the destination, they keep their stress levels in check and maintain a positive perspective. This balanced approach allows them to pursue their goals with passion and determination without losing sleep over what’s still to come.

Remember: Success is a journey, not a destination. So make sure you enjoy every step of the way!

Wrapping up

Achieving success isn’t just about working hard. It’s also about managing what consumes our energy and what keeps us awake at night.

This article aimed to shed light on the things that highly successful people don’t lose sleep over. But remember, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. What works for one person may not work for another.

It’s your journey, and you get to decide what matters most to you. You choose where to put your energy and what deserves your attention.

Remember, life isn’t just about reaching the destination; it’s about enjoying the journey and growing along the way.

Here’s to finding your own path to success, managing your worries effectively, and enjoying a good night’s sleep!

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Tara Whitmore

Tara Whitmore is a psychologist based in Melbourne, with a passion for helping people build healthier relationships and navigate life’s emotional ups and downs. Her articles blend practical psychology with relatable insights, offering readers guidance on everything from communication skills to managing stress in everyday life. When Tara isn’t busy writing or working with clients, she loves to unwind by practicing yoga or trying her hand at pottery—anything that lets her get creative and stay mindful.

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