7 daily habits of people who have no real talent but still achieve success, according to psychology

Farley Ledgerwood by Farley Ledgerwood | April 27, 2025, 1:26 am

Success isn’t always about raw talent. Sometimes it’s the daily habits, the small stuff, that really make a difference.

There are folks out there who may not have innate talent but still manage to achieve incredible success. How do they do it?

Well, it’s not magic or luck. It’s about adopting certain habits that can turn the ordinary into extraordinary.

Through the lens of psychology, we’ve identified seven daily habits of these individuals, showing us that success isn’t exclusively reserved for the talented ones.

In this article, I’ll be sharing these surprisingly simple yet powerful habits. These are secrets from people who prove that success is attainable by anyone, not just the naturally gifted.

Get ready to be inspired, and who knows? You might just find the key to your own success story.

1) Embrace consistency

Let’s start with a habit that’s often overlooked: consistency.

Those without natural talent know the significance of showing up, day in and day out. They understand that success isn’t achieved overnight, but through consistent efforts over time.

You see, it’s not about grand gestures or big breakthroughs. It’s about the mundane, the daily grind. Those seemingly insignificant actions that add up to significant results over time.

So if you’re on your journey to success, remember that consistency is key. Keep showing up, keep grinding, and trust the process.

It may not feel like you’re making progress at times, but those small daily actions are building towards your greater goal.

Remember, it’s not about being the best out of the gate. It’s about improving a little bit each day. That’s how you achieve success without relying on talent alone.

2) Cultivate a growth mindset

The second habit I’ve noticed among those who succeed without talent is their ability to cultivate a growth mindset.

I remember a time when I was tasked with a project that seemed way above my skill level. I didn’t have the talent for it, but I had the mindset.

Instead of thinking I couldn’t do it, I saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Despite the odds, the project turned out to be a success.

You see, those with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. They believe that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

So if you’re striving for success, remember that it’s all about your attitude. Embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and see effort as the path to mastery. This will help you achieve more than any innate talent ever could.

3) Accept failure as part of the journey

Have you ever failed at something and felt like giving up?

If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. But what separates those who achieve success from those who don’t, is their ability to accept failure as part of the journey.

Their success stories are not clean-cut or straightforward. They’re messy, filled with trials and errors, ups and downs. But they don’t let failure deter them. Instead, they see it as a stepping stone towards their goal.

To quote the famous psychologist Carl Jung, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” And to become who you truly are, you must be willing to fail. You must be willing to fall, pick yourself up, and try again.

So if you’re on your path to success, don’t be afraid of failure. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep pushing forward. Remember, it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up.

4) Practice gratitude

You might think, what has gratitude got to do with success? A lot, actually.

Those who achieve success without innate talent often practice gratitude. They appreciate what they have and where they are on their journey, instead of constantly focusing on what they lack.

Interestingly, a study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude increased athletes’ self-esteem, which is an essential component to optimal performance.

Participants who practiced gratitude showed a significant increase in their overall self-esteem compared to those who didn’t.

By being grateful, you cultivate a positive outlook, which helps you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

So take a few moments each day to acknowledge what you’re thankful for. It could be as simple as appreciating a good cup of coffee or as profound as being grateful for the opportunities life has presented you with.

This simple practice can make a big difference in your journey towards success.

5) Value relationships

One lesson I’ve learned along the way is that we can’t do it all alone.

People who achieve success, with or without talent, understand the importance of building and maintaining relationships.

They value their connections with others, not merely for personal gain, but for mutual growth and support.

As social creatures, we thrive on interaction and collaboration. Our relationships can offer new perspectives, opportunities, and even the motivation to keep going when times get tough.

By valuing our relationships and fostering positive change within ourselves, we inadvertently inspire those around us to do the same.

Remember, success isn’t just about reaching a destination. It’s about who you meet, what you learn, and how you grow along the journey. So, nurture your relationships – they might just be your secret weapon to achieving success.

6) Embrace discomfort

This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out.

People who achieve success without being naturally gifted often become comfortable with being uncomfortable. They seek out experiences that challenge them, pushing past their comfort zones.

Why? Because they understand that growth happens in the face of discomfort. It’s when we’re stretched beyond our limits that we truly discover our potential.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” Those who choose to step forward, despite the discomfort, are the ones who find success.

Next time you’re faced with a situation that makes you uncomfortable, see it as an opportunity to grow. It might be scary, it might be hard, but remember – no one ever achieved success by staying in their comfort zone.

7) Stay curious

The final habit is simple yet powerful: stay curious.

Those who achieve success without talent never stop learning. They ask questions, seek new experiences, and remain open to new ideas.

As psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.”

So make the choice. Stay curious. Keep learning. Your path to success might just be one question away.

Final thoughts

As we’ve journeyed through these seven habits, it’s clear to see that success is not exclusively tethered to talent.

It’s about consistency, cultivating a growth mindset, accepting failures, practicing gratitude, valuing relationships, embracing discomfort and staying curious.

These are the habits that can turn an ordinary person into an extraordinary achiever.

Each one of us has the potential to succeed, regardless of our inherent abilities or talents. It’s just a matter of adopting these daily habits and persisting with them.

Success isn’t a destination. It’s a journey. It’s not about being the best; it’s about being better than you were yesterday.

So, as you go forth on your own path to success, remember these habits. Reflect on them, practice them and see how they can make a difference in your life.

Success might not be an overnight occurrence, but with these habits, it’s certainly within reach.