Do you often wonder what it is that successful people do differently? Are their habits unique? Do they do things out of the ordinary?

The answer is yes. Highly successful people often engage in unconventional activities for fun – activities that are not just entertaining but also contribute to their overall success.

According to psychology, these unconventional activities help successful people unwind, stimulate their minds, and keep their creativity flowing.

In this article, we will delve into 9 activities that you would not typically associate with success, but which have been proven to contribute to it.

So if you’ve been wondering what the secret sauce is behind the success of the world’s top achievers, read on. You might just find some surprises.

1) They embrace solitude

Solitude doesn’t always mean loneliness. It can be a powerful tool for reflection, ideation, and mental rest.

Successful people understand the value of spending time alone.

It’s not that they’re antisocial or introverted; rather, they recognize that solitude allows them to disconnect from the external world and reconnect with their internal thoughts and feelings.

You might find them:

• Taking long walks alone
• Meditating in a quiet room
• Spending an entire day in silence

They use these moments of solitude to contemplate their goals, brainstorm new ideas, and recharge their mental batteries.

This unconventional practice helps them maintain clarity of thought, boosts their creativity, and ultimately contributes to their success.

So next time you see someone embracing solitude, don’t mistake it for loneliness. They might just be on their way to success.

2) They engage in creative hobbies

Art, music, writing – you’d be surprised at how many successful people immerse themselves in these creative outlets during their downtime.

It may seem unconventional because, let’s be honest, how many of us actually pick up a paintbrush or write a poem after a long day of work?

But highly successful people do.

They understand that these hobbies are not just methods of self-expression, but also powerful tools for cognitive development and emotional management.

You might find them playing a musical instrument, scribbling in a sketchbook, or even crafting intricate origami figures.

These activities help them to channel their thoughts and emotions in a productive way, stimulating different parts of their brain.

These creative hobbies act as a mental workout:

• Enhancing their problem-solving skills
• Improving their focus
• Fostering their ability to think outside the box

So don’t mistake their artistic endeavors as mere whims; they’re strategic moves towards success.

3) They intentionally embrace failure

Failure can be hard to swallow, yet you’ll find many successful people actively seeking it out.

This might sound odd, but there’s a good reason behind it.

Successful people see failure not as a dead end, but as an opportunity for growth and learning. They understand that every mistake, every setback, brings with it valuable lessons that can pave the way to future success.

Whether it’s trying a high-risk investment or venturing into an unfamiliar industry, they’re not afraid to step outside their comfort zone and risk failure.

Because in the grand scheme of things, these failures are nothing more than stepping stones on the path to success.

Some of them even have a tradition of celebrating their failures.

They believe that each failure is a testament to their courage to try something new and their resilience to bounce back stronger.

So while others may shy away from failure, successful people embrace it head-on.

4) They acknowledge their flaws

Nobody’s perfect, not even the most successful people in the world.

While it’s common to see individuals hiding their flaws and focusing on their strengths, successful people do the opposite.

They acknowledge their flaws and imperfections, openly and honestly. They understand that these flaws are part of what makes them human.

Instead of trying to cover them up, they work on understanding and embracing them.

You’ll find them talking candidly about their weaknesses, be it a lack of patience, poor time management, or even a short temper.

They know these flaws may hinder their progress, but they also see them as opportunities for improvement.

By acknowledging their flaws, they’re able to maintain a realistic view of themselves and their abilities.

This honest self-assessment helps them to set achievable goals and devise effective strategies for success. 

5) They prioritize kindness

In a world where people are often preoccupied with their own success, it’s refreshing to find that many successful individuals place a high value on kindness and empathy.

They believe in treating everyone they encounter with respect and understanding, regardless of their status or background.

You’ll often find them going out of their way to make someone’s day a little brighter, whether it’s by:

• Tipping generously at a restaurant
• Helping a colleague with a difficult task
• Offering a listening ear to someone in need

They understand that success isn’t just about wealth or power, but also about making a positive difference in the lives of others.

These acts of kindness may seem small, but they have a big impact not just on the recipients, but also on the givers themselves.

Practicing kindness boosts their mood, strengthens their relationships, and enhances their overall sense of fulfillment. It’s a testament to the fact that success and compassion can indeed go hand in hand.

6) They indulge in simple pleasures

Contrary to the image of the high-powered executive always on the move, many successful people take time to indulge in life’s simple pleasures.

They understand the importance of taking a break and doing things that bring them joy, whether it’s:

• Enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning while watching the sunrise
• Taking a leisurely stroll in the park
• Spending an afternoon playing with their pets

These activities might seem mundane to some, but successful people see them as essential moments of rest and rejuvenation. They help them recharge their batteries and stay grounded amid their success.

7) They have a good laugh

Yes, you heard it right. Successful people love a good chuckle.

They understand the importance of laughter and its power to reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost creativity.

Whether it’s watching a funny movie, sharing a joke with friends, or even laughing at their own mistakes, they make sure to inject humor into their daily lives.

They don’t shy away from silliness or fun, understanding that these moments of light-heartedness are crucial for maintaining balance in their lives.

They know that life can’t always be serious and that sometimes, the best way to deal with challenges is to find the humor in them.

So next time you see a successful person laughing heartily, join them! They’re onto something good.

8) They maintain strict discipline

Success doesn’t come easy, and every successful individual knows this. They understand that discipline is non-negotiable when it comes to achieving their goals.

While it might be tempting to skip that workout, eat that extra slice of cake, or procrastinate on that project, successful people resist these urges. They set strict routines for themselves and stick to them, no matter what.

They wake up early, get their workouts in, eat healthily, and make sure to accomplish their tasks for the day. They might miss out on some instant gratification, but they know it’s worth it in the long run.

Yes, it’s tough love, but it’s necessary. Discipline forms the foundation of their success and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

9) They never stop learning

Above all, successful people understand that the key to continuous growth and success is lifelong learning.

They are always curious and always seeking to expand their knowledge and skills. They understand that the world is constantly changing and to keep up, they must keep learning.

This relentless pursuit of knowledge helps them:

• Stay ahead of the curve
• Adapt to changes
• Continue to grow both personally and professionally

It’s not just about accumulating information, but about understanding and applying this knowledge to improve their lives and the lives of others.

So if there’s one thing you should take away from this list, it’s this: never stop learning. It’s the most powerful tool for success you’ll ever have.

Wrapping up

Having explored these nine unconventional habits of highly successful people, it’s clear that success is not just about hard work or intelligence. It’s also about the small, everyday choices that add up over time.

Now,  this article isn’t meant to provide a surefire blueprint for success.

Rather, it’s meant to inspire you to reflect on your own habits and consider how you might incorporate some of these practices into your own life.

Adopting all or even a few of these habits may not turn you into an overnight success, but they can certainly contribute to your personal growth and overall well-being.