Ever met someone who’s crushing it in life without knowing the first thing about profit margins or quarterly goals? 

It’s like they’re playing a completely different game—and winning. These non-business-y rockstars are often writers, artists, or dreamers who thrive without a trace of corporate DNA. 

How do they do it? Their success isn’t about spreadsheets; it’s about embracing habits that defy the usual playbook. 

We’ll dive into those habits, revealing how success can be wildly unconventional—and showing you that maybe the path less traveled leads to greatness.

1) They embrace creativity

They often have a profound connection with their creative side. They don’t see the world in spreadsheets or profit margins, but rather through a lens of possibilities and innovation.

Take an artist or a writer for example. They thrive in their work not because they’re constantly thinking about the business side of things, but because they allow their creativity to guide them. 

They immerse themselves in their craft, not necessarily focusing on bottom lines or market trends, but rather on producing something meaningful and unique.

This doesn’t mean they ignore the practical aspects of their work. Far from it.

It’s just that their approach is different. They value their creative process as much as, if not more than, the financial gains that might come with it.

In many ways, these individuals redefine what it means to be successful. For them, success isn’t always about monetary wealth or corporate power.

It can be about realizing a vision, achieving personal growth, or making a difference in the world.

By embracing their creativity and letting it lead the way, these individuals often find success in the most unexpected places.

2) They embrace failure

Success, for many, is synonymous with a flawless record. 

But for those who succeed without a business-minded approach, failure is not something to be feared or avoided. Rather, it is seen as an integral part of the journey.

Consider an inventor or innovator. The process of creating something new often involves a series of trials and errors. 

They may spend countless hours, days, or even years on a project only to see it fail in the end. But instead of viewing this as a setback, they see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

These individuals tend to have a resilient mindset.

They understand that failure is not the opposite of success but a stepping stone towards it. They are comfortable with uncertainty and are not deterred by the prospect of making mistakes.

Moreover, they often find joy in the process itself. The act of trying, failing, learning, and trying again can be as rewarding for them as achieving the end goal.

So while most people might equate success with perfection, these unorthodox high achievers see value in imperfection too. 

3) They value experiences over material possessions

The connection between happiness and material wealth isn’t as clear-cut as some might think.

Research shows that experiences bring people more happiness than possessions.

The anticipation of an experience, the experience itself, and the memories created from it contribute to our overall happiness in a way that material possessions can’t replicate.

These individuals often invest their time, energy, and resources into experiences—traveling, exploring new hobbies, spending time with loved ones—rather than accumulating things. 

They understand the value of creating memories and the personal growth that comes from experiencing new things.

Their measure of success isn’t determined by the size of their bank account or the number of luxury goods they own. 

Instead, it’s about the richness of their experiences and the quality of their relationships. Through prioritizing experiences over material possessions, they cultivate a sense of fulfillment and contentment that contributes to their overall success.

4) They prioritize helping others

They have a deep-rooted desire to make a difference in the lives of others. They understand that their success isn’t just about personal gain, but also about the positive impact they can have on the world around them.

Take, for example, a social worker or a teacher. Their chosen paths might not lead to financial riches, but that’s not what drives them. Their motivation comes from the joy and fulfillment they get from helping others learn, grow, and overcome challenges.

This selfless attitude extends beyond their professional lives. They often volunteer their time, donate to causes they believe in, or simply lend a helping hand to those in need.

They realize that success is not just about personal achievement, but also about the difference one can make in someone else’s life. 

It’s this heartfelt understanding that guides their actions and fuels their success. In giving to others, they also enrich their own lives, creating a cycle of positivity that drives them forward.

5) They value the importance of work-life balance

They understand that all work and no play can lead to burnout, diminishing creativity and productivity. They protect their downtime, valuing rest and recreation as much as they value hard work.

They might love what they do, but they also understand the importance of stepping away from it occasionally to recharge. They enjoy hobbies, spend time with family and friends, stay active, and nurture their well-being.

Despite societal pressures to be ‘always on,’ these individuals know that taking time for themselves isn’t a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining their creative energy and overall health. 

This balance not only makes them more effective in their work but also adds to their overall quality of life, making their journey to success that much more enjoyable.

6) They are committed to continuous learning

They are constantly curious and open to new ideas, seeing every experience as an opportunity to grow.

I recall a friend who, despite being successful in her field, always found time to learn something new. Whether it was picking up a new language, reading about a totally unrelated field, or attending workshops and seminars, her thirst for knowledge was insatiable.

This commitment to continuous learning was not just about acquiring new skills or knowledge, but also about the joy of discovery and the excitement of personal growth. She saw each new learning experience as a way to broaden her horizons and enrich her life.

Her example illustrates how successful people often view learning as an integral part of their lives, not just a means to an end. 

They understand that the world is constantly changing and that staying open and adaptable is key to their ongoing success.

7) They take responsibility

They don’t blame others or external circumstances for their setbacks. Instead, they look inward, assess what went wrong, and figure out what they can do differently next time.

They understand that it’s easy to take credit when things are going well, but true strength lies in owning up to mistakes and learning from them.

This isn’t about being hard on themselves or dwelling on failures. It’s about recognizing that they’re in control of their actions and their reactions to whatever life throws their way.

Success might not always come easily, but by taking responsibility for both their victories and their setbacks, they maintain control of their journey and continue moving forward with resilience and determination.

8) They are authentic

At the core of all these habits, there’s one principle that stands out above the rest: authenticity. They have a deep understanding of who they are and stay true to that, regardless of societal expectations or pressures.

They don’t chase after success as defined by others, but carve their own path based on their passions, values, and beliefs. They understand that genuine success comes from being true to oneself and finding fulfillment in what they do.

In a world that often equates success with wealth and power, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters.

But remember this: achieving success is not about conforming to the norms or following a predetermined path.

Final thoughts

Success is a deeply personal journey, and it’s not one that requires a business-minded approach to navigate.

As we’ve explored in this article, there are many paths to success, and they are as diverse as the individuals who tread them.

The habits we’ve discussed are not prescriptive, but rather illustrative of the many ways people can achieve success. What matters most is finding what works for you, staying true to yourself, and defining success on your own terms.

Here’s to embracing your unique journey and finding success that truly resonates with you.

Because at the end of the day, genuine success isn’t about conforming to societal norms or expectations.

It’s about aligning your actions with your passions and values and finding fulfillment in your own unique path.