There’s a certain mystique around highly successful people.

What’s their secret? What do they do differently? While we all want to know, there are certain things highly successful people simply never share.

Keeping some things under wraps isn’t about being secretive. Rather, it’s about maintaining a level of privacy and professionalism that aids their success.

In this article, we’ll delve into the things that highly successful people never share. Stick with me and you might just uncover some secrets to their success. But remember, the key isn’t just knowing these things, it’s in the application!

1) Personal grievances

Highly successful people understand the power of positivity. Sure, everyone has gripes and grievances, but you rarely hear the successful airing them in public.

Complaining and venting may feel cathartic, but it does little to solve problems. Moreover, it can damage your personal brand and relationships. Successful people prefer to communicate issues with tact and diplomacy, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

Remember, it’s not about hiding your feelings or pretending everything’s perfect. It’s about choosing your battles wisely and communicating effectively. After all, action speaks louder than words – and a lot louder than complaints!

So next time you’re tempted to share a personal grievance, consider how it might be perceived and what outcome you really want. A more positive approach may be the secret to success you’ve been searching for.

2) Past mistakes

Let’s talk about mistakes. We all make them, and they often provide our most valuable lessons. But do you know what successful people rarely do? They rarely publicize their past blunders.

Let me share a personal example. Early in my career, I made a significant error on a project. It cost the company time and money, and it was entirely my fault. I learned a lot from that experience, but you won’t find me broadcasting that story at networking events or job interviews.

Why? Because successful people understand the difference between learning from mistakes and dwelling on them. Sharing past failures can create an image of you that’s stuck in the past rather than focused on the future.

Remember, it’s not about hiding your mistakes. It’s about showing that you’ve grown from them and highlighting your progress since then. That’s what success looks like – not perfection, but constant growth and improvement.

3) Income details

Money talk can be awkward, and it’s something that highly successful people often steer clear of. The idea of discussing salary, net worth, or financial gains is considered impolite or indiscreet in many cultures.

In fact, a study by ING Direct found that people are seven times more likely to share their love life details than their income information.

Successful people understand that income is a personal matter. Revealing it can lead to unnecessary comparisons and competition. It can also create tension and harm relationships.

Moreover, your financial worth doesn’t define your personal worth. Highly successful people know that their value isn’t tied to their bank account, and they don’t feel the need to prove anything by flashing their wealth.

So the next time you’re tempted to share your income or ask about someone else’s, remember that discretion is the better part of valor. Focus on your achievements, your goals, and the value you bring – those are the true measures of success.

4) Personal goals

It’s natural to want to share your ambitions and dreams with others, especially when you’re excited about them. But highly successful people often keep their personal goals close to their chest.

This isn’t because they’re secretive or untrusting. Rather, it’s because they understand the power of focus and the importance of avoiding unnecessary distractions. Sometimes, sharing your goals can invite unsolicited advice, criticism, or even disparagement that can sidetrack you from your path.

Also, keeping your goals to yourself can create a sense of accountability. You become solely responsible for your progress, which can drive you to work harder and more diligently towards achieving those goals.

So while it’s great to be open and collaborative, remember that there is also strength in quiet determination. Your personal goals are just that – personal. They’re your journey, your challenge, and ultimately, your achievement.

5) Deep personal struggles

Every one of us has our battles. Even the most successful people have faced struggles that have tested their resolve and pushed them to their limits. But these deep, personal experiences are often things they choose not to share.

The journey to success is seldom smooth. It’s marked by challenges, failures, and heartaches that shape us into who we are. However, highly successful people tend to keep these hardships private, not out of shame, but out of strength.

Sharing your deepest struggles with the world can sometimes make you feel vulnerable. Successful people realize that while vulnerability can be powerful, it’s also a deeply personal choice. They choose to focus on their resilience and their ability to overcome adversity rather than on the struggles themselves.

Remember, it’s not about hiding your pain or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about deciding what parts of your story you want to share and realizing that even in silence, there is power and strength. Your struggles are a part of you, but they do not define you. Success is not just about the destination, it’s also about the journey – and how you choose to navigate it.

6) Their secret sauce

Every successful person has their unique formula, a “secret sauce” that sets them apart. It could be a unique work habit, a certain mindset, or a personal ritual.

For me, it’s my morning routine. I wake up at 5 am every day, spend some quiet time meditating, followed by a jog and a healthy breakfast. This routine sets the tone for my day, keeping me focused and energized. But it’s not something I usually share. It’s my secret weapon, my edge.

Highly successful people know that their unique habits and routines give them an advantage. While they may share general advice and insights, they often choose not to reveal the intricate details of their personal strategies.

This isn’t about hoarding knowledge or being secretive. It’s about understanding that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. What works for one person may not work for another.

So while it’s great to learn from others, remember that your path to success is uniquely yours. Find your “secret sauce”, cherish it, and let it fuel your journey to success.

7) Their network

Your network is your net worth – it’s a saying that holds a lot of truth. The people you surround yourself with can greatly influence your success. However, highly successful people often keep their professional network private.

They understand the value of genuine relationships and don’t flaunt their connections. They avoid name-dropping or using their contacts for personal gain. Instead, they focus on fostering meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships.

Sharing your network isn’t just about privacy; it’s also about respect. It’s respecting the privacy of others in your network and valuing the trust and rapport you’ve built with them.

Building a strong network is not about quantity, but quality. It’s not about how many people you know, but how well you know them and how much value you bring to each other. Remember, success is not just about getting ahead, it’s also about lifting others along the way.

8) Their quiet generosity

Highly successful people often engage in acts of kindness and generosity, but they usually do so quietly. They understand that the true value of giving lies not in recognition or praise, but in the act itself.

Whether it’s mentoring a young professional, donating to a worthy cause, or helping a colleague in need, their acts of generosity are often done without fanfare or publicity. For them, giving is not about building their public image; it’s about making a positive impact and helping others succeed.

So, remember, the most impactful acts of generosity are often those done quietly, without expectation of anything in return. That is the mark of true success.

Final thought: The power of discretion

The journey to success is unique, personal, and multifaceted. It’s a blend of hard work, dedication, resilience, and wisdom. And often, it comes with a deep understanding of when to speak and when to stay silent.

Highly successful people have mastered the art of discretion. They understand that some aspects of their life and journey are better left unshared. Not because they have something to hide, but because they value their privacy, respect others’ privacy, and understand the power of selective sharing.

As highlighted by legendary investor Warren Buffet, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”

In this digital age where oversharing has become the norm, taking a page out of the book of successful people might be worthwhile. Perhaps it’s time we reconsider what we share and why we share it.

After all, success isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s also about how you navigate the journey, including what you choose to keep to yourself along the way.