From overnight millionaires to genius-level entrepreneurs who enjoy a smooth sailing to the top, society often portrays success as a glamorous and effortless journey. It’s easy for this narrative to convince you that success is either unattainable or only reserved for a select few. And while setting achievable goals and holding yourself accountable are key to smashing your goals, there’s more to success than just hard work. In this blog, we uncover some of the most commonly spread myths about very successful people.

Myth 1: Successful People Say, "If I can fit it in, I should fit it in."

One of the most common myths is that successful people try to fit in when they can. In fact, the opposite is actually true, and most successful people were not afraid to be outsiders. Like many other successful entrepreneurs, Warren Buffett, one of the world's most successful investors, wasn’t afraid to think outside the box. He’s famously quoted saying, "The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say 'no' to almost everything." Trying to fit in can spread us thin and stand in the way of hitting out goals. Instead, we should eliminate distractions and prioritize our time and energy on what truly matters.

Myth 2: Successful People Sleep Four Hours a Night

It’s easy to get caught up in the grind and forget that a good night’s sleep is not just beneficial but essential for high performance and sustained productivity. Research has shown that good quality sleep is crucial for maintaining peak brain performance. In addition to its many health benefits, getting enough rest can greatly enhance your decision-making, creativity, and energy levels.

Despite his demanding lifestyle, Jeff Bezos, one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time, shared the importance of getting enough sleep. In his interview with The Economic Club of Washington in 2018, Bezos revealed that despite the demands of running some of the world’s biggest companies, he believes that getting 8 hours of sleep is key to being productive and making high-quality decisions. “But is that really worth it if the quality of those decisions might be lower because you’re tired or grouchy or any number of things? Probably not,” he said.

Myth 3: Successful People Think Play is a Waste of Time.

A common myth is that we must sacrifice play and leisure to be successful. This, however, couldn't be further from the truth. Making time for leisure and fun activities can stimulate creativity and reduce stress, among other wellness benefits. Most successful business people recognize the importance of self-care and unplugging.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, is committed to staying active and often engages in adventurous activities, like swimming, surfing and hot air ballooning. Branson believes that play fuels creativity and keeps him energized, which, in turn, drives his business success.

Myth 4: Successful People Are the First Ones to Jump in With an Answer.

Another widespread myth is that successful individuals always have answers to everything. Quite the opposite. On the contrary, most successful individuals are powerful listeners. They understand that listening carefully to others allows them to gain deeper insights, build stronger relationships, and make more informed decisions. Oprah Winfrey, a celebrated talk show host, has built strong connections with her guests and audience due to her exceptional listening skills.

Myth 5: Successful People Focus On What the Competition is Doing

Another common myth is that you have to constantly watch your competitors to succeed. While understanding your competitors can be useful, what's more critical is crafting a great strategy and setting measurable milestones. Understanding the market and maintaining productivity are far more important than obsessing over your competition. Rather than fixating on what his competitors were doing, Bezos focused intensely on enhancing Amazon's customer experience and operational efficiency.

Final Thoughts

At Optimized EA, we believe that success is not just about building a successful business; it's about creating a positive impact on the world. However, daily repetitive tasks can often divert your focus from your main goals. If you're finding it challenging to find time for crucial work due to these tasks, consider delegating them to trusted virtual assistants, like Optimized EA. Contact us today to learn more about our services.