13 Things Unsuccessful People Almost Never Spend Their Time Doing (But You Should)

Will you do the things that are necessary for success?

A person with wavy hair wearing a white henley shirt leans against a plain white wall, looking to the side with a contemplative expression.

Success doesn’t grow on trees. It takes effort and action—and lots of it. There are certain things you need to do, certain steps you must take if you are to progress along the path to any sort of worthwhile achievement. Unsuccessful people don’t do the following things, but you’ll definitely want to.

1. Charting goals.

A person in a light shirt holds their hands open around the word "GOALS," written in black letters, with an illustration of a red target and an arrow replacing the letter "O." The background is bright and blurred.

Unsuccessful people often float aimlessly because they overlook an important step—setting goals. Successful people, however, know that being clear in their aims can help them create a roadmap for working through the challenges of life. They’ll set ambitious targets while also revisiting them regularly. After all, how else can you make sure you’re on track? It’s a smart way to sculpt your future, one goal at a time.

2. Learning new things.

Three students sit at tables, each with a paper cup beside them, looking attentive and engaged. The setting appears to be a modern classroom or study area with additional people in the background. The walls and furniture are contemporary in style.

Learning doesn’t stop when school does, especially for high achievers. For them, the classroom is all around, and every experience is a lesson, so they’re always working to improve their minds. Whether it’s through books or simply conversational wisdom, such a relentless pursuit of knowledge keeps the successful evolving and at the top of their game. Unsuccessful people aren’t curious about anything, so they inevitably fall behind.

3. Expanding their networks.

A group of five people casually talking and enjoying drinks on an outdoor terrace. They appear to be relaxed, with some smiling and holding glasses. The background includes a view of the landscape, featuring greenery and a body of water.

When you network, you’re essentially planting seeds for future success. Unsuccessful people often underestimate the power of a robust network, while successful ones are always on the lookout to connect. They know that their next big opportunity may come from a new acquaintance. Beyond collecting contacts, networking helps them find potential growth opportunities, which can benefit both them and the new people they’re talking to.

4 Investing in relationships.

A woman with long brown hair sits in a restaurant, smiling and reaching forward as if to shake hands. She is wearing a black blazer over a light-colored blouse. The background is softly lit with warm lights.

Beyond networking, unsuccessful people know nothing about the value of strong personal and professional relationships. They don’t spend any time nurturing these bonds because they don’t see how these connections could be important. Successful people are always keen to bond more deeply with others. Whether it’s through a coffee meet-up to offer advice or an empathetic ear during tough times, high achievers work on improving their relationships over the long term.

5. Managing their time.

A person in a yellow jacket reaches out to turn off a silver analog alarm clock on a wooden table. The clock shows the time as 7:12. The background is slightly blurred, indicating focus on the clock.

If time is money, successful people are the best investors, and unsuccessful people are broke. Successful people manage their hours with precision and prioritize the tasks that maximize their productivity and success. Unfortunately, those who are less successful allow time to slip through their fingers. Mastering your minutes can mean the difference between mediocrity and meteoric success, so successful people use calendars and apps to keep themselves on point.

6. Learning from constructive criticism.

A man and woman stand in an office discussing documents. The man gestures while showing papers to the woman, who listens attentively. In the background, three other people work at a table with laptops and papers.

Most unsuccessful people avoid feedback at all costs, while successful individuals chase after it. They understand that growth comes from critique and that our true potential comes from understanding other people’s insights. Unsuccessful people usually feel upset after hearing feedback because they see it as a reflection on themselves personally. Meanwhile, the high-flyers thrive on performance reviews and mentorship because they see each piece of advice as something that can propel them to greater heights.

7. Absorbing new information.

A woman with long hair is sitting on a couch, wearing an orange blouse, and reading a book. Behind her is a bed and yellow cushions. The room has a cozy, softly lit atmosphere.

The most that an unsuccessful person will read is the occasional headline or meme, but you’ll always find successful people with their noses in books, magazines, or online articles. Reading is their superpower. After all, it expands their minds and opens new horizons while also giving them the knowledge that keeps them ahead of the curve. Their reading lists are pretty diverse, too, covering everything from fiction to finance.

8. Planning their finances.

A woman wearing a yellow headband with polka dots, large black glasses, and a mustard-colored sweater is kissing a pink piggy bank. She is also wearing pearl earrings and a matching necklace. The background is a solid teal color.

Ignoring financial planning is a common mistake of the unsuccessful. They only seem to think about spending in the here and now, while those destined for success see financial management as a daily ritual. They track their spending wisely and plan for the future. Unsuccessful people don’t care about talking to financial advisors since they believe that enjoying simple pleasures in the present is more important.

9. Prioritizing self-care.

A person with eyes closed relaxes in a bubble bath, surrounded by sunlight streaming through white blinds. There is a green plant in a white pot next to the bathtub, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

It’s a myth that success comes at the cost of health. The truly successful know that self-care is a kind of achievement, so they invest in their well-being. They work hard to make sure they always perform at their best. Meanwhile, unsuccessful people know nothing about this. Regular workouts, balanced diets, and sufficient sleep? That’s just a nice idea for them.

10. Listening attentively to others.

Two women are seated on a white sofa in a well-lit room. One woman with long hair is attentively listening to the other, leaning on her arm. They both appear engaged in conversation, with neutral expressions. A wooden shelf is blurred in the background.

For the unsuccessful, listening is usually passive because they believe their own voices are more important. Successful individuals, however, know that active listening can help them understand things better and create stronger connections. They listen to understand, not just to respond, making everyone they interact with feel valued. An unsuccessful person is never completely present in conversations. Rather, they’re just waiting for their turn to speak.

11. Taking risks.

A person balances on a tightrope stretched between two cliffs at sunset. The sky is filled with dramatic clouds, and the sun is partially visible on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the mountainous landscape.

Unsuccessful people often avoid risks because they prefer the safety of the well-known. They don’t view calculated risks as being worth taking. However, for successful people, the biggest rewards often come from what others might avoid, so they do their homework on it. They’ll weigh the pros and cons before making a move and aren’t afraid to step out of their comfort zones.

12. Volunteering their time.

A person hands a white bowl of food to another person at an outdoor event. The scene is bustling, with more people in the background. The setting appears to be a communal meal or food distribution, with various dishes and utensils visible on a table.

Volunteering seems like an unnecessary waste of time for the unsuccessful. Why bother giving back or connecting with the community when they can just focus on themselves? Even so, it’s a lot more impactful than they might realize. After all, successful people find great satisfaction in making a difference, and they understand that giving back is also a way to build a legacy.

13. Being patient.

A person with long hair sits on a green wooden bench near the water, wearing a red and black sweater, black pants, and red shoes. They have a contemplative expression. A small brown backpack is placed beside them on the bench.

More often than not, being impatient is the direct cause of hasty and ill-advised decisions. That’s why successful people will work on their patience—they understand that many of life’s best opportunities need time to come to fruition. External pressures never rush them. Instead, they make more thoughtful decisions, which ultimately leads to better outcomes in their personal and professional lives.