8 things highly successful people always keep private

successful people keep private

The world of success can be a bit like trying to decipher a secret code.

You look at these highly successful people and wonder, what’s their secret? What are they doing differently?

Often, it feels like they have an ace up their sleeve that they’re not sharing with the rest of us.

It’s not always about big, life-altering strategies. Sometimes, it’s the subtle things.

The things they choose to keep under wraps, the things they don’t put on display for the world to see.

In this article, we’ll pull back the curtain just a bit and reveal 8 things that highly successful people always keep private. Prepare to be surprised, because these might not be the things you’d expect.

1. Their personal dreams and goals

Success isn’t created in a vacuum, and the most successful people understand this.

They have dreams and goals, just like anybody else. Personal ones. Big ones. But you wouldn’t know that from talking to them.

Why?

Because they keep these dreams and goals private. They don’t feel the need to broadcast them to the world.

There’s an underlying reason for this secrecy. It’s not because they’re shy or unsure about their ambitions.

Quite the opposite.

They know that by keeping these dreams private, they’re creating a personal driving force, a secret fuel that propels them forward.

It also protects them from unnecessary scrutiny or criticism that could potentially derail their path to success. So while we all have dreams and goals, highly successful people understand the value of keeping theirs under wraps.

2. Their failures and setbacks

It’s not all smooth sailing, even for the highly successful.

They hit roadblocks, stumble, and even fall flat on their faces. But here’s the thing: they don’t broadcast these failures.

Once, I was working on a project that I was incredibly passionate about. I had poured my heart and soul into it, only to watch it crumble before my eyes. It was a colossal failure.

Did I announce it to the world?

No.

I licked my wounds in private, learned from the experience and moved on.

Successful people understand that failures are part of the journey. They don’t shy away from them, but they also don’t feel the need to share them with everyone else.

They treat failures as personal lessons, stepping stones towards their goals. They absorb the impact, learn from it and use it as fuel to propel them forward.

They keep their setbacks private, not out of shame or fear, but because they see them as personal growth opportunities, not public spectacles.

3. Their daily routines

There’s a famous quote by Aristotle that says: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

This principle is deeply ingrained in the lives of highly successful people. They understand the power of routines and habits.

  • They rise early.
  • They meditate.
  • They read.
  • They exercise.
  • They have strict schedules that they adhere to religiously.

But do they shout about these routines from the rooftops?

Not really.

Sure, we hear about them in interviews and read about them in success stories, but the nitty-gritty details are often kept under wraps.

Why?

Because these routines are personal. Tailored to their needs, their goals, their lives.

They don’t share them because they know that what works for them might not work for someone else.

They also understand the power of mystery – by keeping their routines private, they add to their personal aura of success.

While we can all benefit from establishing good habits and routines, highly successful people know that these are personal tools for success, not public commodities to be shared with all and sundry.

4. Their financial status

successful people keep private

Highly successful people often have a good handle on their finances. They’ve worked hard, made smart decisions, and reaped the rewards.

But unlike what many reality TV shows or glossy magazines would have us believe, they don’t flaunt their wealth.

Sure, there are exceptions. Some people do splash out on luxury cars, designer clothes, and extravagant vacations. But that’s not the norm.

In reality, many successful people lead surprisingly modest lifestyles.

Warren Buffet, one of the richest men in the world, still lives in the same house he bought in 1958 for $31,500.

Surprising, right?

Well, successful people understand that success is not about material possessions, but about achieving their personal goals and making a difference.

They also know that flaunting wealth can attract unwanted attention and create unnecessary pressures.

5. Their work-life balance strategies

Burnout is an all-too-common occurrence in our fast-paced world, and no one is immune, not even the most successful among us.

To combat this, highly successful people have strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They understand the importance of taking time for themselves, for their families, and for their passions outside of work.

These strategies could include anything from regular exercise routines, to meditation practices, to strict “no work” hours.

But here’s the thing: they don’t publicize these strategies.

This might surprise you. After all, wouldn’t they want to share their secrets to success?

The truth is, these strategies are highly personal. What works for one person might not work for another.

Moreover, by keeping these strategies private, they avoid setting unrealistic standards or expectations for others to follow.

6. Their personal relationships

A common thread amongst highly successful people is their understanding of the importance of relationships.

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They cherish their connections with family and friends because they know that these relationships are an integral part of their personal and professional success.

But, you’ll rarely see them parading their loved ones in the spotlight. They guard these relationships fiercely, keeping them private and separate from their public persona.

You see, they understand something critical: while success can be a collective effort, it can also come with its fair share of scrutiny and pressure. By keeping their personal relationships private, they shield their loved ones from this unnecessary stress.

Moreover, they respect the individuality and privacy of the people close to them. They recognize that their success does not define their loved ones, nor does it need to involve them in a public way.

So while they may be surrounded by a network of support and love, successful people often choose to keep their personal relationships firmly in the realm of the private.

It’s a choice that respects the privacy and individuality of those closest to them, while also preserving the sanctity of these special connections.

7. Their ways of unwinding

Amid the hustle and bustle of achieving great things, successful people understand the importance of downtime. They have their unique ways of unwinding, letting off steam, and rejuvenating their energy levels.

It could be as simple as reading a book, painting, going for a run, or even just sitting quietly in a park.

But here’s the catch: they usually keep these activities to themselves.

Why?

Because this downtime is sacred to them. It’s their chance to disconnect from the world, to recharge, to reflect. It’s a deeply personal time that they often choose to keep private.

Moreover, they understand that what works for them might not work for everyone else. What rejuvenates one person might stress another.

By keeping their methods of relaxation private, they create a personal sanctuary that’s free from judgment or expectation.

8. Their self-doubts and insecurities

Yes, even the most successful people have their moments of self-doubt and insecurity. They question their abilities, their decisions, their paths.

But these insecurities are often kept under lock and key. Hidden away from the public eye.

Here’s the deal:

Successful people know that these feelings are part and parcel of the human experience. As a result, they don’t represent failure or weakness but are simply a natural response to challenges and setbacks.

Instead, they try to keep their self-doubts private and allow themselves space to grapple with these feelings without external judgment or pressure.

The takeaway

These insights into the private lives of successful people might come as a surprise. After all, in an age of oversharing, the idea of keeping things to oneself seems almost revolutionary.

But as we’ve seen, there’s power in privacy. It allows space for personal growth, protects from unwanted scrutiny, and adds a layer of mystery that can be intriguing.

If you find yourself resonating with these points, perhaps it’s time to consider what you choose to keep private and what you share.

Ask yourself – are there aspects of your life that you could benefit from keeping under wraps? Would a little more privacy give you more room to grow and evolve?

Don’t rush this process. Reflect on it. Take your time.

And remember, the journey to success is as unique as you are. So take these insights not as rigid rules, but as food for thought.

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Picture of Ethan Sterling

Ethan Sterling

Ethan Sterling has a background in entrepreneurship, having started and managed several small businesses. His journey through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship provides him with practical insights into personal resilience, strategic thinking, and the value of persistence. Ethan’s articles offer real-world advice for those looking to grow personally and professionally.

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