Ever wonder what sets self-made people apart from the rest? It’s not just luck or raw talent—it’s their habits.
Success doesn’t happen overnight, and those who achieve it often have specific routines and mindsets that help them stay focused, productive, and resilient.
Psychology shows that our habits play a huge role in shaping our outcomes. The good news? These habits aren’t exclusive to the rich and famous—they’re things anyone can adopt to get closer to their goals.
Here are eight powerful habits that self-made people swear by for success, backed by psychology.
1) Embrace failure
Let’s face it, nobody enjoys failure. It’s uncomfortable, disheartening and quite frankly, a blow to our ego.
But here’s the kicker: self-made individuals view failure differently. They see it as an opportunity, a stepping stone towards success.
Self-made people aren’t afraid to fail because they understand that every failure is a lesson learned. They embrace it, learn from it and use it to propel themselves forward.
In fact, many successful entrepreneurs swear by this habit. They’ve all failed at some point in their journey but instead of letting it end there, they used it as fuel to drive them further.
As Mark Zuckerberg said, “The greatest successes come from having the freedom to fail.”
2) Prioritize self-care
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget about the most important element to your success – you.
When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I worked myself to the bone. Late nights, skipped meals, neglected workouts, you name it. I thought this was what it took to be successful.
But over time, I started to burn out. My productivity dipped and my creativity fizzed out. That’s when I realized something crucial – without a healthy mind and body, I couldn’t go far.
Self-made individuals understand this. They prioritize self-care as much as they prioritize their work. They know that to perform at their best, they need to be in their best shape – physically, mentally and emotionally.
So they make time for what rejuvenates them. It might be a daily workout, a relaxing hobby, or simply some quiet time to reflect.
Nowadays, I ensure that no matter how busy my schedule gets, there is always time for a quick workout or a healthy meal. It keeps me energized and focused on my goals.
Remember, self-made doesn’t mean self-neglect. Your well-being matters as much as your hustle does, and self-care truly is one of the keys to success.
3) Set clear goals
Self-made individuals have a clear vision of where they’re headed. They set explicit, measurable, and achievable goals. This isn’t just a strategy for success, it’s a psychological principle.
In a study conducted by the Harvard Business School, only 3% of the students had clear, written goals and plans to achieve them when they graduated. Ten years later, that same 3% was earning ten times more than the other 97% combined.
This is the power of setting clear goals.
When you have a well-defined target, your efforts are more focused. You know exactly what you’re working towards and this clarity propels you forward.
So if you want to be self-made, start by determining what success means to you. Break it down into smaller, manageable goals and regularly track your progress.
4) Lifelong learning
Think about the most successful self-made individuals you know. What’s one thing they all have in common? They never stop learning.
They have what psychologist Carol Dweck called “the growth mindset“, the belief that our abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s the love of learning, the resilience that makes great accomplishments possible.
In this rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt and learn new skills is invaluable. It enables you to stay ahead of the curve and seize opportunities that others may miss.
Self-made individuals are understand that to grow and achieve their goals, they need to continually evolve and expand their knowledge.
They read books, attend seminars, take courses, and seek mentors. They invest in their intellectual growth as much as their financial growth.
To be a self-made individual, make learning a habit. Cultivate curiosity and never stop seeking knowledge.
The more you learn, the more doors you open for your success.
5) Embrace discomfort
I was always that person who played it safe. I stuck to what I knew, and avoided situations that could potentially make me uncomfortable. But as time went on, I felt stagnant, like I was watching life pass by instead of actively participating in it.
That’s when I realized that my comfort zone was holding me back.
Most self-made individuals will tell you that success lies outside of your comfort zone. It’s in those moments of discomfort that you truly grow and learn.
These individuals actively seek out challenges. They put themselves in situations that stretch their abilities, knowing that it’s the only way to truly evolve and reach their full potential.
So, don’t shy away from discomfort. Embrace it. Challenge yourself regularly and push your boundaries. The more comfortable you get with discomfort, the greater your capacity for growth and success becomes.
Discomfort isn’t a sign that you’re failing—it’s a sign that you’re trying, learning, and moving forward. Self-made people understand that every challenge is an opportunity to discover what they’re truly capable of.
By stepping into the unknown, you open the door to possibilities that wouldn’t exist if you stayed in your safe bubble. Whether it’s taking on a new project, learning a difficult skill, or pursuing an ambitious goal, embracing discomfort is the key to unlocking your potential.
Progress doesn’t come from standing still. It comes from leaning into the hard stuff, taking risks, and proving to yourself that you can handle more than you thought possible.
6) Network intentionally
I know that the idea of networking can be intimidating for many people, but for self-made individuals, it’s a very important skill to have.
Building strong relationships isn’t just about advancing their career or business, it’s also about learning from others, gaining new perspectives and creating opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise.
But they don’t just network for the sake of it. They network intentionally.
They seek out individuals who inspire them, who challenge them, and who they can learn from. They invest time in building genuine relationships, understanding that these connections can open doors down the line.
So, make a habit of networking. Attend events, join online forums and engage in conversations. But remember to do it with intention.
Focus on building meaningful relationships rather than just adding contacts to your list.
Ultimately, your network is a reflection of you. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire you to become the best version of yourself.
7) Practice perseverance
At the heart of every self-made individual’s success is perseverance. After all, success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a result of persisting through challenges, setbacks and failures.
Self-made individuals understand that the road to success is often long and filled with obstacles. But instead of giving up when they encounter these hurdles, they push through.
They hold onto their vision and keep going, no matter how tough things get. They know that in the end, their perseverance will pay off.
So, when things get tough, remind yourself of your vision and why you started in the first place. Stay committed to your journey and don’t give up.
It’s not about how fast you reach your destination, but the determination and resilience you show along the way.
Final thoughts: It’s all about persistence
The path to becoming self-made isn’t easy. It’s filled with challenges and hurdles that can sometimes seem insurmountable. But it’s through these trials and tribulations that we grow. It’s these experiences that shape us into who we are.
So as you embark on your own journey towards success, remember this – persistence is key. No matter how many times you stumble or fall, pick yourself up and keep going.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how hard you hit, but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That’s what makes you self-made.
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