7 toxic habits highly successful people avoid at all costs

I used to think success was all about hitting your targets, receiving praise, and watching your bank account grow.

But over the years, I’ve learned that genuine success means more than crossing off goals — it’s about how you handle the trials and challenges along the way.

During my competitive athletic days, I was surrounded by individuals who seemed to thrive under pressure. Interestingly, it wasn’t just their discipline or natural talent that set them apart—it was the behaviors they refused to engage in.

As I shifted from that high-intensity sports environment into a new chapter of personal development, I started spotting common “red flags” — toxic habits that could derail even the most promising careers and personal trajectories.

I’ve gathered the 7 most glaring ones here, based on my own missteps and the observations I’ve made. If you can manage to avoid these pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to building a type of success that’s both sustainable and deeply fulfilling.

1. They don’t blame others for their setbacks

One of the quickest ways to stall your growth is to point fingers.

I’ve seen it happen in team environments: a few people blame everyone else when the project hits a snag or the final result isn’t stellar.

But successful individuals, whether in sports, business, or any other field, tend to own their mistakes. They see errors as opportunities to learn, not as excuses to shift accountability.

Early in my career, I was once so frustrated by a project’s failure that I started resenting my teammates instead of looking at my own shortcomings.

That resentment didn’t help anyone; it definitely didn’t help me.

Over time, I realized that accepting responsibility fosters resilience.

When you own a misstep, you can analyze what went wrong, fix it, and move forward. Pointing fingers only fosters conflict and stalls growth.

Successful people understand that true progress often begins when you start asking, “What can I do better next time?”

2. They avoid letting perfectionism take over

I used to believe that striving for perfection was a virtue.

After all, in competitive sports, coaches hammered into us that excellence is non-negotiable.

But there’s a difference between aiming high and obsessing over every tiny detail.

Perfectionism can become toxic when it leads to constant self-criticism or stalls your progress because you’re terrified of making mistakes.

Nowadays, when I feel that nitpicky voice creeping in, I pause and remind myself that “done” is often better than “perfect.”

Successful people, I’ve noticed, give themselves the freedom to make mistakes, adapt, and keep going. They tweak their work as they learn, rather than waiting for the perfect conditions or for every possible angle to be flawless.

Perfectionism can create mental gridlock and rob you of momentum.

By letting go of the need for everything to be 100% right from the start, you give yourself a chance to actually move forward, experiment, and grow.

3. They steer clear of dwelling on negativity

Ever notice how toxic it feels to be around someone who’s constantly complaining?

It’s like the energy in the room immediately plummets.

Successful people typically have challenges like anyone else, but they don’t spend excessive time fixating on them or labeling every situation as “the worst.” Instead, they focus on identifying solutions.

They acknowledge problems, but they don’t let negative thoughts spiral.

I remember going through a slump after a series of injuries — every time someone asked about my training, I’d automatically launch into how unfair it was, how unlucky I felt.

Eventually, a mentor pointed out how draining that was for me and everyone around me.

Turning the corner required actively shifting my perspective: if I caught myself complaining, I’d force myself to name one thing I was grateful for.

4. They don’t refuse feedback

Feedback can sting — especially when it hits on areas we’re sensitive about.

I used to tense up if a coach pointed out flaws in my routine or posture.

But I’ve watched people grow by leaps and bounds simply because they were open to criticism.

Dr. Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindsets versus fixed mindsets shows us that people who treat feedback as a tool for growth tend to reach higher levels of achievement.

On the flip side, shutting down or getting defensive when someone offers critique is a recipe for stagnation. Highly successful people avoid this toxic habit by actively seeking out constructive opinions.

They’d rather know where they’re going wrong than stay in the dark.

Sure, it can be uncomfortable, but that’s the point:

Growth often happens in discomfort. Embracing feedback helps us close gaps in our knowledge or skills and ultimately propels us forward much faster than if we’d stayed in our own little echo chambers.

5. They don’t let their ego run the show

It’s natural to feel a burst of pride when you achieve something significant. But letting that feeling turn into arrogance is a fast track to toxic territory.

I’ve seen people who earn a bit of success suddenly start dismissing the contributions of others. They hog the spotlight or refuse to acknowledge the team’s role in their wins.

That behavior doesn’t just strain relationships — it also limits their own learning.

Because once you start believing you already know everything, you close yourself off from new insights.

A mentor once told me, “The moment you think you have nothing left to learn, you’re done growing.”

Successful people tend to remain humble, no matter how big their accomplishments are. They know that pride in a job well done is healthy, but letting your ego call the shots can sabotage both your connections and your ability to adapt.

Humility keeps you curious, open, and ready to grow in ways you might never have anticipated.

6. They never rely on short-term thinking alone

In my early athletic career, I was so hyper-focused on the immediate race or the next competition that I sometimes neglected the bigger picture — like building sustainable habits and avoiding injuries.

I’d burn myself out chasing a short-term target, not realizing I was paying for it in the long run. This mindset isn’t unique to sports — it pops up in business, education, and personal life all the time.

People might scramble for quick wins, ignoring the deeper foundation they need to sustain real success.

Highly successful individuals avoid the toxic trap of short-term thinking by balancing day-to-day tasks with a long-range vision.

They might hustle at the moment, but they also keep an eye on how today’s choices impact tomorrow’s well-being. That often means investing in relationships, health, and skill-building — things that aren’t always flashy right now but pay off tremendously later.

If you’re always sprinting after the next shiny goal, you risk missing out on the deeper, more rewarding aspects of growth.

7. They avoid putting themselves last in every scenario

One of the most overlooked toxic habits is constantly sacrificing your own needs — physically, mentally, or emotionally.

Early in my competitive days, I used to glorify the “no days off” mentality.

But eventually, I learned that chronic self-neglect leads to burnout, resentment, and declining performance.

Whether it’s skipping meals, sacrificing sleep, or never taking a mental break, ignoring self-care is unsustainable—and highly successful people understand that.

Rather than running themselves into the ground, they schedule time for rest, relationships, or even hobbies that recharge them. This doesn’t mean they’re lazy or uncommitted.

In fact, it often makes them more productive and creative when it’s time to work. Self-care, from daily walks to meditation or simply a quiet moment to breathe, isn’t a luxury.

It’s a necessity.

The people who excel in the long run know you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Conclusion

Observing (and occasionally struggling with) these seven toxic habits has been a turning point in my own journey.

I’ve noticed that true success, whether in sports, business, or personal endeavors, isn’t just what you do — it’s also what you deliberately avoid.

By steering clear of blame-shifting, perfectionism, perpetual negativity, and ego-driven behaviors, you’re far more likely to stay on a path of genuine progress.

And by welcoming feedback, balancing short- and long-term goals, and taking care of yourself, you’ll build not only resilience but also a sense of fulfillment that lasts.