When we think of success, we often imagine long hours, laser-sharp focus, and unwavering discipline. But dig a little deeper into the daily lives of ultra-successful people—from CEOs to world-class athletes to innovative entrepreneurs—and you’ll discover something unexpected: many of them have strange habits. Unusual, unconventional, even quirky routines that most people would never associate with high performance.
But here’s the catch: they actually work.
In this blog post, we’ll explore six peculiar habits that ultra-successful individuals swear by—habits that go against conventional wisdom yet deliver extraordinary results. If you’re looking to uplevel your life, you might just want to borrow a few of these.
1. Talking to Themselves Out Loud
Yes, really.
While talking to yourself might sound like a sign of madness, it’s actually a powerful tool used by top performers like Serena Williams and Kanye West. It’s called self-directed speech, and it helps with focus, motivation, and emotional regulation.
🧠 Why it works:
Self-talk helps clarify thoughts, regulate emotions, and reinforce positive beliefs. It also engages the brain’s executive functions, helping you make better decisions and manage stress.
✅ How to try it:
Next time you’re about to face a challenge, speak to yourself like a coach would. Say things like:
- “You’ve done this before. You’re ready.”
- “Focus on the next step, not the whole mountain.”
You’ll be surprised how calming and empowering it feels.
2. Wearing the Same Outfit Every Day
Steve Jobs. Mark Zuckerberg. Barack Obama.
What do they all have in common besides massive success? A signature look.
Ultra-successful people often adopt a “uniform” to reduce decision fatigue—the mental drain caused by having to make too many small decisions.
🧠 Why it works:
Your brain only has so much decision-making power each day. Simplifying your wardrobe frees up mental space for more important tasks, like strategy, creativity, and leadership.
✅ How to try it:
Choose 2–3 go-to outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Rotate them throughout the week and watch how much more mental energy you conserve.
3. Taking Cold Showers or Ice Baths
Wim Hof. Tony Robbins. Tim Ferriss.
These high achievers embrace the freezing water as a daily ritual. While it might sound torturous, cold exposure is a secret weapon for mental clarity and resilience.
🧠 Why it works:
Cold showers activate the sympathetic nervous system, increase blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and boost willpower. They also release norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter linked to focus and attention.
✅ How to try it:
Start with 30 seconds of cold water at the end of your regular shower. Gradually increase the duration. The discomfort trains your mind to handle stress more effectively.
4. Journaling About the Worst-Case Scenario
While most people use journaling for gratitude and goals, some ultra-successful people flip the script. They journal about their fears, anxieties, and worst-case scenarios.
Famed author Tim Ferriss calls this “fear-setting.”
🧠 Why it works:
By writing down your worst fears, you deconstruct their power over you. It’s a powerful tool to prevent procrastination, manage anxiety, and make bold decisions.
✅ How to try it:
Ask yourself:
- What am I afraid of?
- What’s the worst that could happen?
- What steps could I take to prevent or repair it?
This habit builds courage by turning nebulous fears into manageable risks.
5. Scheduling “Doing Nothing” Time
It might sound counterintuitive, but doing nothing is a secret productivity hack.
Jeff Weiner, former CEO of LinkedIn, schedules 90–120 minutes of “buffer time” in his calendar every day. Why? To think, reflect, and breathe.
🧠 Why it works:
Downtime allows your brain to enter default mode, which is when problem-solving and creativity peak. It’s like mental composting—the ideas need space to grow.
✅ How to try it:
Block 30–60 minutes each day for absolutely nothing. No phone, no work, no distractions. Just walk, sit, or think. This isn’t laziness—it’s strategic recharging.
6. Embracing Boredom on Purpose
Ultra-successful people are not constantly entertained. In fact, they often cultivate boredom—intentionally disconnecting from stimulation to regain control of their focus.
Author Cal Newport, known for his book Deep Work, advocates digital minimalism, while billionaires like Bill Gates take “think weeks” off the grid to read and reflect.
🧠 Why it works:
Boredom resets your brain’s dopamine balance and encourages deep thinking. Constant stimulation erodes attention span, while embracing boredom builds the capacity for patience, focus, and originality.
✅ How to try it:
Once a week, spend 1–2 hours offline with no agenda. Take a walk without music, sit in silence, or journal without prompts. You’ll start to notice richer thoughts and deeper clarity.
Weird Is the New Smart
What separates ultra-successful people from the rest isn’t just hard work or intelligence—it’s their willingness to break norms and experiment with what actually works.
These habits might seem odd, but that’s exactly why they’re powerful. They break routine, stretch comfort zones, and trigger hidden areas of growth that most people overlook.
Remember this:
Success doesn’t always follow logic. Sometimes, it follows curiosity, discomfort, and a touch of strangeness.
So if you’re ready to elevate your life, maybe it’s time to embrace a few strange habits of your own.
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