Lisa O
Success isn’t just about working hard—it’s also about getting your mind in the right place. The most successful people use smart mental tricks to stay focused, motivated, and tough when things get tough. Whether it’s picturing their success or learning from failure, these psychological hacks really make a difference in reaching your goals. Here are 15 psychological tricks successful people use to win in life.
They Visualize Success
Successful people use the power of visualization to make their goals feel real before they even achieve them. They imagine themselves crossing the finish line, landing that big deal, or completing a major project. The brain doesn’t know the difference between a real experience and a vividly imagined one, which is why visualization boosts their confidence and prepares them mentally for obstacles.
They Embrace Failure as Feedback
For most of us, failure feels like a punch. But successful people see it as a stepping stone. They believe each failure teaches them something valuable, whether it’s a lesson in problem-solving or timing. The important part here is to see what went wrong and tweak the approach rather than just dwelling on the setback.
They Practice the Power of “No”
Saying “no” is tough, especially when you’re worried about disappointing others. But successful people know that every “yes” means stretching themselves thinner. They’ve learned that saying no to unimportant things is saying yes to their priorities. For example, Steve Jobs was known for his ability to say no. He often declined opportunities that didn’t align with his vision for Apple.
They Set SMART Goals
Successful people don’t just make vague wishes like “I want to be this or that.” They break down all their goals into clear and actionable steps. They set a target to do something (read one business book a month or learn a new skill). This makes the goal feel achievable and provides a clear path to follow. A famous technique they use is the SMART goal framework – specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.
They Surround Themselves with Positive People
The people you surround yourself with can lift you up or drag you down (the latter is mostly true). Successful people understand this and intentionally build a network of inspiring individuals. They surround themselves with mentors, peers, and friends who support, challenge their ideas, and push them to grow.
They Use the “5-Minute Rule”
Procrastination can be a huge roadblock, but successful people use a simple trick: the “5-minute rule.” What’s that? When facing a task they don’t feel like doing, they tell themselves they’ll only work on it for five minutes. Surprisingly, once they get started, they often continue well past that. This trick works because it breaks down the mental barrier of starting.
They Focus on One Thing at a Time
Multitasking sounds great in theory, but it’s actually proven to be less efficient. Successful people know that focusing on one task at a time leads to better results. For example, Mark Zuckerberg is known for simplifying his life by wearing the same everyday outfits so that he doesn’t waste energy on trivial decisions. You may have seen him wearing a grey or black T-shirt everywhere.
They Use Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations aren’t just feel-good words—they have the power to rewire your brain. Successful people use them to kick self-doubt to the curb and replace all those negative thoughts with ones that boost confidence. They may say phrases like, “I’ve got this” or “I attract success” every single day. Why? Saying these statements regularly can improve self-esteem, reduce stress, and make you feel happier overall.
They Break Bad Habits with “Habit Stacking”
Instead of trying to completely overhaul their habits all at once, successful people use a clever method called “habit stacking.” It involves linking a new habit to something they already do regularly. For example, if they want to drink more water, they might stack that habit with their morning coffee routine. After finishing the coffee, they immediately drink a glass of water.
They Practice Mindfulness
Successful people often practice mindfulness—just being fully in the moment. It helps them handle stress, make better decisions, and stay on track with their goals. Instead of getting caught up in negative thoughts or stressing about what’s ahead, they focus on what’s happening right now. Mindfulness can also lower anxiety, giving them a calmer mindset when facing tough choices.
They Prioritize Sleep
You can’t function at your best if you’re running on empty. Successful people know that a good night’s sleep is important for peak performance. Lack of sleep can lead you to poor decision-making, reduced creativity, and even dangerous mood swings. That’s why they prioritize rest as part of their routine. For instance, Ariana Huffington (founder of the Huffington Post) has spoken openly about how improving her sleep habits changed her life.
They Keep a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is about believing you can always get better. Just give it a little time. Successful people steer clear of the fixed mindset, where they think their abilities are set in stone. Rather, they welcome all kinds of challenges and see them as chances to learn something fresh. This mindset pushes them to keep moving forward, even when things get tough. They know there’s always room to grow and improve.
They Celebrate Small Wins
Big wins are definitely exciting, but it’s the little victories that keep successful people motivated. You don’t need a big celebration—just take a moment to recognize your small wins. Why? Because enjoying those moments makes the journey feel so much more rewarding and pushes you to aim for something even bigger.
They Know How to Delegate
Trying to do everything on your own will burn you out in the long run. Successful people know when to delegate tasks to others who can do them just as well, if not better. They trust their team to take care of things outside their expertise so they can focus on what they’re good at. Whether hiring an assistant or teaming up with someone to fill the gaps, delegating gives them more time to focus on the big picture.
They Take Risks, But Smart Ones
Taking risks is part of the game, but successful people don’t just dive into risky situations without thinking it through. They make smart, calculated decisions by weighing the potential rewards against the possible downsides. Entrepreneurs like Richard Branson are known for their bold moves, but they always do their research and fully understand the risks before making big choices.