7 Habits That Successful People Don’t Want You To Know

Have you ever wondered what sets India’s top achievers apart from the ordinary people? From business tycoons, celebrities to sports persons, they all possess an unwavering drive and a secret sauce for success. The truth is that it is less about a secret and more about cultivating powerful daily habits. And guess what? These aren't just for the rich and famous but anyone can adapt them.

Let’s delve into these habits and see how it brings that winning spirit into your life.

1. Wake up before the world

Starting your day early gives you a good start while the world sleeps. The quiet hours help you plan, exercise and reflect with no distractions. This is also rooted in the ancient Indian concept of Brahma Muhurta (about 4–6 AM). Sages believed that it is the most peaceful time to pray, meditate, or study. Many spiritual leaders and warriors followed this practice to sharpen their minds and discipline.

Our honourable PM Narendra Modi is known to rise at 4 AM, meditate, and plan his packed day with unwavering focus.

Also Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries, is known to wake up by 5-5:30 AM, utilizing the quiet hours for reflection and planning before his demanding day begins.

Success requires you to constantly update your knowledge irrespective of your job and age. Curiosity keeps their mind fresh and open to new ideas. They understand that knowledge is power and dedicate their time to reading whether it is a book, article, or staying updated on industry trends. Learning helps them adapt to the changing industries and times. Books, podcasts, and mentorship are common tools for growth nowadays. 

Continuous learning often separates leaders from the rest giving them a different platform to shine.

Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, is a keen reader and advocate for continuous learning, often emphasizing the importance of staying curious and informed in a rapidly changing world.

A sound mind in a sound body is a foundational principle. Good health fuels consistency, hard work and energy. Daily exercise keeps stress levels in check and sharpens focus.

Fitness teaches discipline, goal setting, and resilience. A healthy body supports a healthy mind for better decision-making. Successful people treat health like an investment, not an expense. Only a healthy person can focus on their work and achieve their goal. Successful people understand that physical and mental well-being are crucial for sustained performance. This often includes exercise, meditation, and mindful eating.

Baba Ramdev, the yoga guru and founder of Patanjali Ayurved embodies this habit. His widespread success is built on promoting holistic well-being, and he himself adheres to a rigorous yoga and meditation routine.

Mindfulness is a powerful habit that helps you handle stress effectively and maintain a balanced state of mind even when life feels overwhelming. By practising meditation regularly, you can sharpen your emotional intelligence and gain greater clarity in your thoughts and actions. This habit gives you the ability to pause in the middle of chaos, reflect deeply on your choices, and respond wisely rather than reacting impulsively. Over time, mindfulness trains you to stay calm and composed, especially in high-pressure situations where clear thinking is crucial. Living in the present moment helps you connect more deeply with others creating stronger and more meaningful relationships.

Deepika Padukone credits the therapy and meditation for helping her cope with depression and staying balanced. Using mindfulness to manage the demands of her career and personal life, she adapts this practice. 

Staying connected to your roots is a habit that ensures success never disconnects you from where you truly belong. They remind you of the values and people who shaped your journey in the first place. When you stay grounded in your upbringing and community, you naturally respect everyone you meet, no matter their position or status. This is because you understand that true strength lies in treating people with dignity and equality while living a simple life. This deep connection to your origins keeps you open-minded and willing to learn from others at every stage instead of letting success make you rigid. People who cherish their roots often build more genuine and heartfelt relationships. They know that real bonds are nurtured by authenticity and shared experiences, not just titles and power. In the long run, this habit of honouring where you came from earns you trust and goodwill that no amount of wealth or influence can ever replace.

APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s ‘Missile Man’ and beloved former President, is remembered for his simple lifestyle and unwavering connection to his humble beginnings in Rameswaram. This kept him relatable and deeply respected by people from all walks of life.

Successful people deeply understand the power of meaningful connections and know that genuine relationships often become the foundation for lasting growth and progress in any field. They consciously invest time and effort in nurturing these relationships and partnerships recognising that collaboration is not just a one-time exchange but an ongoing commitment that can transform ideas into impactful realities. A strong network opens doors to fresh opportunities, valuable insights and diverse perspectives that one might never discover alone. This flow of ideas often sparks innovation and unexpected breakthroughs. Working alongside trusted allies and collaborators can multiply your impact many times as compared to working in isolation. These great things are rarely achieved single-handedly. In challenging times, these trustworthy relationships become your support system, offering advice, encouragement and sometimes even a safety net when you need it most.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder of Biocon, often credits her mentors and partners for helping her take a small enzyme manufacturing venture and grow it into one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies with a global presence.

One of the most remarkable habits that sets truly successful people apart is their deep commitment to giving back to society. They understand that real success is not just about accumulating wealth or fame but about using their position and resources to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. They actively choose to contribute through financial donations, supporting social causes, building schools and hospitals, or simply offering their time and expertise. They create a positive impact that extends far beyond their own personal ambitions and comforts. This conscious act of giving fills their success with a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. This reminds them that their achievements hold the greatest value when they help uplift communities and empower those who need it the most. Their generosity often inspires many people to follow their example, creating a ripple effect where entire communities are transformed. This builds the spirit of service becoming stronger generation after generation. Ultimately, this habit of giving back to society turns personal success into a legacy of hope, compassion, and lasting change that continues to benefit people long after the spotlight has moved on.
Azim Premji, the founder of Wipro, has become a shining symbol of this philosophy by donating a major part of his wealth towards education and various social development initiatives. This makes him one of India’s most respected and impactful philanthropists.