It is a well-known fact that if successful, clues will be left behind. From morning routines to productivity hacks, countless books, blogs, and podcasts focus on the habits of successful people. But is copying their actions the key to your own success? While it’s beneficial to adopt proven strategies, there can be downsides to blindly following what others do.
Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of copying the habits of successful people, and how you can wisely apply this advice to your own life.
Benefits of copying successful habits
These are the clear financial fundamentals that are important in building wealth and success. And by imitating successful habits, you can increase your overall results by:
Proven framework
Successful people attribute their results to certain habits, such as waking up early, setting consistent goals, and prioritizing their health. These frameworks serve as a solid starting point and help you establish discipline and structure in your daily life.
Encouraging positive change and accelerating personal growth
Copying the habits of high achievers can motivate you to break out of old routines and adopt healthier, more productive behaviors. Seeing the tangible benefits that others have experienced can motivate you to start building better habits yourself.
Learning from the successes (and failures) of others can also help you avoid common pitfalls and speed up your own progress. Rather than starting from scratch, you can use their insights to chart a more efficient path toward your goals.
expand your horizons
Studying how successful people think, approach, and solve problems can lead to creative solutions in your own life. We encourage you to think bigger and approach challenges with a mindset of possibility and resilience.
The downside of trying to replicate what others have done successfully
Before you jump on the self-help bandwagon, consider the following:
One size does not fit all
What works for someone else may not work for you. Individual situations, goals, and preferences vary widely, and the habits that made someone else successful may feel unnatural, unsustainable, or even counterproductive in your life.
- example: Early retirement is a common goal. However, some people love their jobs and feel adrift without a daily grind.
- example: Life annuities do not offer the highest returns (they are not even an investment, they are an insurance product). But for people who are very worried about running out of money, it can really provide peace of mind. Hear how Glenn Nakamoto saves for retirement using an immediate annuity. Or check out his income floor strategy here.
overlook personal strengths
Focusing too much on copying the habits of others can distract you from developing your own strengths and intuition. Your unique talents and approach are often the key to achieving your version of success.
- example: In most cases, index funds are recommended as an easy way to invest with effective returns. However, if you have knowledge of a particular industry, you can also invest in individual stocks based on that expertise.
unnecessary pressure
Trying to copy the habits of successful people can lead to unrealistic expectations and a feeling of failure if their strategies don’t yield the same results for you. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, which can undermine your confidence and motivation.
- example: The financial independence, early retirement movement recommends saving at least 50% of your income. That may be a nice goal, but it’s not realistic for everyone.
- example: Your friend started investing in cryptocurrencies a few years ago and has made huge profits. You may be feeling jealous or FOMO (fear of missing out) and considering jumping in now that these currencies are in the news again. Remember that you won’t make a profit until you sell your assets and slowly and steadily win most of the races.
ignore context and privileges
Successful people often have resources, networks, or opportunities that cannot be duplicated. Copying their habits without considering these factors can lead to frustration and misaligned expectations.
How to apply successful habits wisely
adapt, not adopt
Instead of just copying your habits, try changing them to fit your life and goals. Try what works for you and let go of what doesn’t. Success isn’t about strictly following someone else’s routine, it’s about finding what helps you grow.
Focus on principles rather than details
Look for the underlying principles behind successful habits, such as consistency, discipline, and priorities. Apply these principles to your strengths and situation.
Combine inspiration and self-awareness
Use the habits of successful people as inspiration, but balance that with an honest assessment of your own needs, values, and goals. Remember that success is very personal and the best strategy is one that aligns with your unique vision.
don’t ignore your journey
It’s important to learn from others, but don’t lose your path. Success isn’t just about copying habits, it’s about creating a meaningful and fulfilling life for yourself.
final thoughts
Copying the habits of successful people provides inspiration and structure, but it doesn’t guarantee success. The key is to approach this advice with curiosity, flexibility, and self-awareness. By combining the wisdom of others with your own strengths and aspirations, you can create a path to success that is completely unique to you.
