Success and wealth are often seen as two sides of the same coin. 

However, this is simply not true. Being rich doesn’t automatically equate to being successful in life and not having a huge bank account or big house doesn’t mean you aren’t successful. 

True success is about fulfillment, happiness, and balance.

And to achieve this state of bliss, there are certain behaviors you need to leave behind. In this article, we’ll dive into the 7 such behaviors.  

Ready for the journey? Let’s get started.

1) Living beyond your means

One of the major roadblocks to achieving true success in life without being rich is living beyond your means.

This behavior is often driven by societal pressure and the desire to keep up with the Joneses.

As so well put by financial expert and author, Morgan Housel, “Spending money to show people how much money you have is the fastest way to have less money.”

It’s about maintaining a certain image or lifestyle that, in reality, we can’t afford. 

Living beyond your means, however, inevitably leads to financial stress, which can seep into other areas of your life and prevent you from focusing on what truly matters – your happiness, fulfillment, and balance.

Saying goodbye to this behavior involves stepping back and reassessing your financial habits. Understanding why you choose to live beyond your means is the first step towards breaking free from it and paving the way for true success.

2) Constant comparison

The second behavior to say goodbye to is constant comparison.

I can’t stress enough how detrimental this habit has been in my own life. I remember spending countless hours scrolling through social media, looking at the lives of others, and feeling a pit in my stomach because it seemed like everyone was doing better than me.

I would compare my success, or lack thereof, to others’ achievements and it created a toxic cycle of self-doubt and dissatisfaction. My focus shifted from what I could do to improve my situation to what others were doing that I wasn’t.

It took me some time to realize this, but success isn’t about being better than someone else. It’s about being the best version of yourself. 

Comparing your journey with others only distracts you from your own growth and progress. 

Ditching this habit allowed me to focus on my own path and redefine what success meant for me – and it wasn’t about being rich. It was about being content, fulfilled, and balanced in all areas of my life.

In the words of Albert Einstein, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

This quote perfectly sums up the futility of constant comparison.

3) Holding onto a big ego

This is a huge one that is so often overlooked. 

Having a big ego often leads to a skewed perception of oneself and others. It can make you overly competitive, constantly seeking validation, and always wanting to be right.

This behavior can hinder personal growth and strain relationships, both of which are crucial elements of true success.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deep into the importance of humility in leading a successful life.

However, for now, just know that understanding that we are all connected and that every individual has something valuable to offer can help deflate the ego and foster a growth mindset.

The key is to balance self-confidence with humility. It’s about acknowledging your strengths but also understanding your limitations and learning from others.

4) Neglecting self-care

In our quest for success, we so often overlook the importance of taking care of ourselves – both physically and mentally. We push ourselves to the brink of exhaustion, thinking that this will bring us closer to our goals. 

But in reality, it does the opposite.

As noted by experts like those at Psych Central, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, less patience, and decreased productivity. It can hamper our cognitive abilities and decision-making skills, which are essential for success.

True success involves striking a balance between work and personal life. It’s about understanding that taking care of your health and well-being is not a luxury but a necessity.

Think you might be lacking in this department?

Start by incorporating small changes into your daily routine – eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, engage in physical activity, and take out time for relaxation and hobbies. 

Trust me, these practices can boost your energy levels, improve your mood, and enhance your overall productivity.

5) Always saying ‘yes’

Saying ‘yes’ to everything might seem like a positive trait. It shows you as someone who is always willing to help, someone who is reliable.

However, this can often lead to being overworked and underappreciated.

Constantly agreeing to do things for others, especially at the expense of your own needs and priorities, can lead to burnout and resentment. It can also make you lose sight of your own goals and ambitions.

Learning to say ‘no’ when necessary is an essential skill in achieving true success. It’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing your time and efforts.

As bestselling author Greg McKeown put it, “ If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.”

This doesn’t mean that you should start turning down every request or opportunity that comes your way. Rather, it’s about learning to evaluate each situation and making decisions that align with your goals and values.

6) Chasing perfection

Perfection is an illusion. It’s an unattainable standard that can lead to dissatisfaction and frustration. And the pursuit of it often results in a constant feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt.

I know this firsthand. There was a time when perfection was always the goal for me. Every project had to be flawless, every task executed without a hitch. But this pursuit led to nothing but stress and disappointment. 

Instead of chasing perfection, focus on progress. Celebrate small victories, learn from mistakes, and strive for continuous improvement.

This shift in mindset can significantly enhance your sense of fulfillment and success.

7) Ignoring your intuition

The final behavior you need to let go of is ignoring your intuition.

Our intuition, or gut feeling, is a powerful tool that can guide us in making decisions that align with our personal values and goals.

However, in the hustle and bustle of life, we often ignore these inner signals.

Listening to your intuition isn’t about making impulsive decisions. It’s about trusting yourself and your ability to understand what’s best for you. It’s about balancing logic with instinct to make decisions that lead to true success.

Remember, true success isn’t about wealth or material possessions. It’s about leading a life that aligns with your values and brings you genuine happiness and fulfillment.

The freedom in letting go

Letting go of these behaviors isn’t about giving up—it’s about making space for what truly matters. 

By releasing stress, comparison, and perfectionism, and embracing self-care, intuition, and balance, you’ll find clarity and fulfillment. 

True success isn’t about wealth; it’s about living a life aligned with your values and enjoying the journey. 

Ready to let go and move forward? The choice is yours.