How often do you see success tips that boil down to “Work harder, hustle faster, and never slow down”?

It’s the usual advice — and it does work for some.

But if you dig a little deeper into psychology, you’ll find habits that seem to defy conventional logic yet can supercharge your growth.

Below are 7 counterintuitive approaches that might just push you further in your career, relationships, or personal goals — sometimes by taking a step back when everyone else is charging forward.

01 They embrace “strategic laziness”

This doesn’t mean binge-watching all day.

It means taking intentional breaks and letting your mind wander to recharge.

In many cases, your best ideas arrive when you’re not actively pushing for them — like when you’re on a walk, or daydreaming in the shower.

Research shows that downtime can enhance creativity and reduce burnout.

It’s the “less is more” principle at play.

Stepping away, even briefly, can help you return with better focus and fresh insights.

02 They say no more often than yes

Here’s a surprise:

A lot of high-achievers frequently turn down tasks, roles, and projects — so they can channel their energy into a few impactful endeavors.

Saying “yes” to everything is a fast track to scattered thinking, stressed nerves, and subpar work.

It can feel awkward or even rude, especially if you’re someone who likes to please.

But turning opportunities away is sometimes essential for filtering out what doesn’t align with your bigger goals.

When you do commit, you’re able to bring your A-game.

03 They make space for second-guessing

Wait, isn’t confidence essential for success?

Absolutely.

But self-reflection and even gentle self-doubt can help you avoid blind spots.

A bit of skepticism toward your own ideas can prompt deeper research, more robust planning, and a willingness to refine.

As Marcus Aurelius famously noted, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

Part of that strength lies in questioning your assumptions. It sounds counterintuitive, but occasionally challenging your own viewpoint can be a catalyst for more solid decisions.

04 They invest in self-development courses — even if they once dismissed them

Some people roll their eyes at “self-help” or “personal growth” classes, labeling them fluffy or unscientific.

But successful folks are often more open-minded than you’d think. They’ll try new methods, adopt fresh perspectives, and see what actually sticks.

I used to be skeptical of these courses.

Then I tried Ruda Iande’s “Free Your Mind” masterclass.

One of the exercises got me to analyze my limiting beliefs around money and success — beliefs I wasn’t even aware I had.

It was a game-changer, and I’ve been more strategic (and ironically, more relaxed) about my career ever since.

05 They schedule “unproductive” time

Ever heard of people blocking out an hour to do something purely for fun?

It might look unproductive on paper, but from a psychological standpoint, it’s crucial.

Whether it’s playing an instrument, doodling, or even gaming—it stimulates creativity and lowers stress.

If your brain never gets to break free from the pressure to perform, you risk creative stagnation.

Sometimes those seemingly pointless hobbies turn into unexpected success boosters.

A short session of strumming the guitar could spark an innovative idea for your next project.

06 They celebrate small failures

This might sound ridiculous but think of all the inventors and entrepreneurs who talk about the importance of failing fast and often.

They know that each mistake is feedback, leading them closer to a breakthrough.

In fact, celebrating little missteps can trick your brain into seeing them as stepping stones rather than dead ends.

It’s easier to bounce back when you’re not drowning in self-criticism.

As Seneca put it, “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.”

07 They spend time helping others—even when they’re busy

In a world where everyone’s pressed for time, offering a helping hand can appear counterproductive. But in psychology, there’s something known as the “giver’s gain.”

People who regularly invest time and effort into supporting others often see benefits in their own careers and networks — plus, it boosts personal well-being.

It’s not just sacrificing your own progress or letting others take advantage. In addition, it means genuine collaboration, sharing insights, and building goodwill.

Down the road, these connections can open doors you never even knew existed.

Rounding things off

Success isn’t always about working harder, chasing more, or grinding your way through every obstacle.

Sometimes, you advance faster by slowing down, questioning yourself, or taking a leap of faith in something you once dismissed.

That’s what happened to me after trying Ruda’s free masterclass.

I liked the free course so much that I ended up enrolling in Ruda’s Out Of The Box course.

It nudged me to question the standard definitions of success I’d clung to and explore alternative ways to reach my goals.

If you’re feeling stuck or plateaued, consider these counterintuitive habits. They might run against the typical advice you see on social media, but that’s precisely why they work.

After all, they offer a refreshing — and sometimes necessary — perspective on genuine success.