We all vent now and then—it’s human nature. But have you ever noticed that some people complain about the same things over and over without ever doing anything about them?
According to psychology, the things we complain about can say a lot about our mindset—and for unsuccessful people, it’s often a telltale sign of what’s holding them back.
While successful individuals focus on solutions, unsuccessful people stay stuck in a cycle of excuses and blame.
Here are eight things that only unsuccessful people tend to complain about, and why these complaints could be a sign of deeper habits that need to change.
1) How the world is out to get them
Unsuccessful individuals often perceive the world as a hostile place that’s always working against them.
This is one of the things that psychology has identified as a common complaint among people who struggle to find success.
It’s like they’re constantly in a battle with external forces. When things go wrong, they might say, “The world is out to get me,” or “Nothing ever goes my way.”
This negative worldview can make it nearly impossible for them to see opportunities and solutions even when they are right in front of them.
Understand that these thoughts aren’t necessarily a personal choice, but more of a mindset that can be changed with a conscious effort.
By assuming that the world is against them, they instantly put themselves in the position of a victim, which can make it harder for them to take control of their circumstances and make positive changes.
Success is not just about talent or luck. It’s also about perspective and attitude.
Falling into the trap of playing the victim can be an easy way to absolve oneself of responsibility, but it ultimately hinders personal growth and development.
This constant external blaming and self-victimization is one thing unsuccessful people often complain about, according to psychology.
This brings me to the next point…
2) Unfair opportunities
Life isn’t fair—that’s a tough truth to accept. But while some people dwell on this fact, others focus on what they can do to create their own opportunities.
The thing is, everyone faces different challenges, and comparing your starting point to someone else’s finish line gets you nowhere. Complaining about unfairness is easy; taking action is where the real effort lies.
You don’t need the perfect setup to succeed. Successful people find ways to make the most of their circumstances, even when the odds aren’t in their favor.
3) Things outside their control
It’s easy to get stuck complaining about things you can’t change. The weather, traffic, politics—you name it. Unsuccessful people spend so much time fixating on these issues that they forget to focus on what they can control.
In the process, they limit their own potential.
Meanwhile, successful people think differently. They know their energy is better spent on things within their reach—like their habits, mindset, and goals. Complaints don’t change the situation; actions do.
Letting go of what’s out of your hands isn’t giving up—it’s making space for what you can actually impact.
4) Other people’s success
When people constantly compare themselves to others, it can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and resentment.
“Why does everyone else have it easier?”
“Why them and not me?”
It’s a dangerous mindset that unsuccessful people often fall into. Instead of being inspired by others’ achievements, they get stuck in jealousy and resentment.
Here’s the twist: success isn’t a limited resource. Someone else’s win doesn’t take away your chance to succeed. In fact, their success can teach you something—if you’re open to learning instead of complaining.
Successful people know how to celebrate others. It’s not about keeping score; it’s about staying focused on your own journey.
5) Small inconveniences
Ever seen someone lose their temper over a slow checkout line or a delayed email? It’s a common trait among unsuccessful people—they let small annoyances blow up into big deals.
These minor inconveniences end up dictating their mood for the day, stealing time and energy that could be better spent elsewhere.
Here’s the thing: small problems are just that—small. They’re part of life, and everyone deals with them.
Complaining about these hiccups doesn’t solve them; it only magnifies their impact. It’s like giving a pebble the power to feel like a boulder. Imagine if all that wasted energy went into tackling meaningful goals instead.
As psychologist Sabrina Romanoff says, “If we were to put our minor annoyances into perspective, we would see how those reactions take away from being present with the important people in our lives, focusing on the things we value, and feeling grateful for all that we do have.”
That’s exactly the approach successful people take. They know life is full of little bumps, but they don’t let those bumps derail them.
Instead of reacting emotionally, they take a deep breath, adjust, and move on. They understand that keeping their cool isn’t just about staying calm—it’s about preserving their energy for things that actually matter.
The bottom line? Sweating the small stuff adds up, but not in a good way.
Letting go of minor annoyances is a skill, and it’s one that separates people who thrive from those who stay stuck.
6) Not being “lucky”
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? A string of bad luck, a series of disappointments, and suddenly it feels like we can’t catch a break.
Unsuccessful people often get stuck in this mindset, consistently lamenting their misfortunes.
While life can undoubtedly throw curveballs at us, adopting a defeatist attitude only amplifies feelings of despair and frustration.
The truth is, everyone faces setbacks; they are a normal part of life and growth.
Instead of dwelling on misfortunes, try to see them as learning opportunities.
With each setback, there’s an opportunity to learn something new and improve.
It’s not easy, but shifting perspective from seeing failures as dead ends to viewing them as stepping stones can pave the way for success and resilience.
7) The need to work hard
“Why does everything have to be so difficult?” This is another question you’ll often hear from unsuccessful people.
And maybe that’s one reason why they’re unsuccessful — they see hard work as a burden, not a stepping stone.
They’d rather complain about how tough things are than roll up their sleeves and get moving.
Unfortunately for them, success isn’t handed out—it’s earned. Even when it feels like an uphill battle, pushing through is what builds character and results.
Complaining about effort doesn’t make it disappear. Successful people know that hard work pays off, and they lean into the challenge instead of running from it.
8) Lack of time
The phrase “I don’t have time” is perhaps one of the most common complaints unsuccessful people make.
But here’s the thing, we all have the same 24 hours in a day.
Time is the one equalizer we all share. It all comes down to how we choose to use it. Prioritizing, setting goals, and managing time effectively are the keys to success.
In the end, it’s not about having time, it’s about making time. So make time for your dreams, your goals, and your success.
Time waits for no one. So seize it, use it wisely and make every second count towards your journey to success.
Conclusion
These complaints may seem harmless, but they reinforce a mindset that hinders growth.
You see, the way we approach challenges and setbacks plays a crucial role in our success.
Overcoming these limiting beliefs requires shifting focus from external excuses to personal responsibility and action.
By changing the way we think and choosing to take consistent, proactive steps, we can break free from these patterns and open the door to success and fulfillment.
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