7 Time Wasters Successful People Avoid: Insights from Psychology

Last week, I saw a friend take almost an hour to write the perfect Instagram caption for a lunch picture. Meanwhile, another friend who runs several businesses snapped a quick selfie with “Good day” and got twice the likes. This made me realize: successful people know how to not waste time.

Research in psychology shows that high achievers protect their mental energy by avoiding certain time-wasters. It’s not just about what they do; it’s also about what they skip. Here are seven things successful people steer clear of.

1. Perfectionism
   Ever seen someone spend weeks perfecting a presentation? That’s not success. High achievers understand the 80/20 rule: 80% of results come from just 20% of the effort. They focus on delivering a good version, gather feedback, and make improvements. This is crucial because research shows that perfectionism often leads to less achievement and more stress. Remember, done is better than perfect.

2. Endless Consumption
   Successful people consume information like food. They take what they need and act on it. Instead of binge-watching productivity videos or collecting self-help books, they read one book and implement a few key ideas. Studies even show that constant information consumption can decrease focus and critical thinking. They avoid the “brain rot” trap by prioritizing actionable insights over mindless consumption.

3. Complaining Without Solutions
   Listen to the conversations around you. Successful people acknowledge problems but quickly shift to finding solutions. On the other hand, some people can spend ages complaining without any constructive outcome. It drains mental energy needed for creativity. A quick tip: if you find yourself complaining about something repeatedly without taking action, it’s time to refocus.

4. Seeking Everyone’s Approval
   Research shows that basing your self-worth on others’ opinions can lead to stress and anxiety. Successful individuals instead seek feedback from those who matter for their goals, making decisions based on their own values. They understand that trying to please everyone is exhausting and often impossible.

5. Micromanaging Their Reputation
   High achievers focus more on their work than on managing how others see them. They don’t waste time polishing their image. Instead, they trust that good work and clear communication will build their reputation over time. Each minute spent managing perceptions is a minute not spent improving skills or creating value.

6. Arguing with Unwilling Minds
   Successful people avoid unproductive arguments. They know better than to engage with those who are unwilling to see another perspective. Instead, they build relationships with people who share their values. It’s about choosing battles wisely and focusing energy on productive discussions.

7. Waiting for the Perfect Moment
   How many times have you said, “I’ll start when conditions are just right”? Successful individuals know those conditions never come. They take action with what they have and figure things out along the way. As author Steve Maraboli says, “Stop waiting for the perfect day or moment.”

In conclusion, successful people aren’t necessarily the smartest; they’ve simply learned what to avoid. Time is their most valuable asset. Next time you catch yourself engaging in one of these seven habits, ask yourself: “Is this moving me forward, or just keeping me busy?”

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