7 unconventional rules successful people live by

Success often seems like a puzzle—one that only a select few manage to solve.

While hard work and perseverance are the usual advice, truly successful people often follow a set of rules that go against conventional wisdom.

These unconventional approaches are what set them apart, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities in ways others might not even consider.

These aren’t your typical “work harder” or “wake up at 5 AM” rules. Instead, they’re surprising, counterintuitive habits and principles that reshape how successful people think, act, and achieve their goals.

Let’s uncover the seven unconventional rules that drive their extraordinary success.

1. Embrace failure

Now this might sound a bit counterintuitive, but hear me out.

Successful people aren’t exempt from failure. In fact, they probably fail more than anyone else. But the difference lies in how they perceive and react to their failures.

Instead of seeing failure as a stumbling block, they view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. They don’t fear failure, they embrace it. It’s all a part of the journey to success.

Sounds impossible? It’s actually not. The key is to shift your mindset and start looking at failure differently.

Consider Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb. He famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Now that’s a perspective we could all benefit from!

Still not convinced? Here’s a quote from famous psychologist Carol Dweck who said: “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.”

2. Embrace boredom as a tool

Similarly, successful people don’t see boredom as an enemy. On the contrary, they see it as a gateway to creativity.

How so? Well, they know that when their minds are free from constant distractions, they can think deeply, explore new ideas, and find solutions to problems. Instead of fearing downtime, they use it to their advantage.

During boring moments, their brains have room to wander. This is often when the best ideas emerge. Whether it’s while taking a walk, sitting in silence, or simply daydreaming, boredom fuels their imagination and clarity.

So, instead of filling every quiet moment with noise, they embrace it. This habit not only boosts their creativity but also helps them recharge and stay focused on the bigger picture.

3. Live with maximum impact and minimum ego

We live in a society that often equates success with ego. You know, the whole “dog-eat-dog, survival of the fittest” mentality. But what if I told you that’s not the whole truth?

In my journey, I’ve found that truly successful people understand the importance of humility. They’re not out there boasting about their accomplishments; instead, they let their work speak for itself.

Ego can cloud our judgment and hinder our growth. It can make us complacent and prevent us from learning from our mistakes.

But how do you balance ambition and ego? How do you strive for success while keeping your ego in check?

That’s something I delve into deeply in my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.” It’s a guide to living a fulfilling life without letting your ego get in the way.

In essence, it’s about being confident but not arrogant, ambitious but not ruthless. It’s about understanding that your worth isn’t defined by your successes or failures, but by the positive impact you make in the world.

4. Develop emotional intelligence

I’m sure you’ve heard of IQ, but have you heard of EQ? Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is just as important, if not more so, for success.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions and the emotions of those around you. It involves empathy, self-awareness, and excellent interpersonal skills.

Research has shown that emotional intelligence is the biggest predictor of workplace performance and success.

Not only that, but people with high EQs are more likely to be successful in their personal lives as well. They’re better at navigating complex social situations, managing conflicts, and building strong relationships.

So how can you boost your EQ? Start by practicing active listening, developing empathy, and learning to manage your emotions effectively.

Remember to take a step back in emotionally charged situations, and try to understand the perspective of others. It’s not about suppressing your emotions but understanding them and responding appropriately.

This brings me to the next point…

5. Focus on relationships, not just results

Real talk — success isn’t a solo journey. Successful people prioritize building meaningful relationships over chasing results alone. They know that strong connections lead to collaboration, support, and long-term success.

That’s why they invest in people—not just professionally but personally, too. They take time to listen, show appreciation, and offer help when needed.

These efforts create trust and loyalty, which are invaluable assets in any area of life.

Focusing on relationships doesn’t mean neglecting goals. It simply means recognizing that people are a critical part of achieving them. Successful people understand this balance, and it’s a big reason why they thrive.

6. Say no more often

Here’s a rule that might seem a bit surprising: successful people say no…a lot.

In a world that glorifies being busy, saying yes to everything can seem like the path to success. But the truth is, spreading yourself too thin can lead to burnout and decrease the quality of your work.

Successful people understand the value of their time and energy. They’re not afraid to say no to tasks, projects, or engagements that don’t align with their goals or values.

This isn’t about being unhelpful or selfish; it’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing what matters most.

In fact, by saying no more often, you create the space and freedom to say yes to the things that truly matter.

And remember, it’s not just about saying no to others. Sometimes, you need to say no to yourself too – whether it’s turning down that extra piece of cake or resisting the urge to scroll through social media when you should be working.

7. Break the rules when necessary

Here’s the thing about rules: not all of them are worth following.

Successful people don’t break the law, of course, but they’re not afraid to challenge outdated norms or bend societal expectations when it makes sense.

If a rule doesn’t serve a purpose or hinders progress, they’re likely to find a better way.

This mindset is how innovations happen. Think about entrepreneurs who disrupt industries or artists who redefine their craft. They achieve success because they dared to think differently and question the status quo.

Breaking the rules isn’t about being reckless—it’s about being creative and adaptable. Successful people understand which rules to follow and which to rewrite, and this flexibility often sets them apart.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

These unconventional rules aren’t your typical success mantras you come across every day. But then, success itself isn’t typical. It requires dedication, patience and often involves taking the path less traveled.

Take a moment to reflect on these rules. Do they resonate with you? Are there ones you’re already practicing or some you might want to start incorporating into your life?

For deeper insights on living a fulfilling life while navigating the path to success, consider picking up my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“. It further explores many of these concepts in depth and could be a valuable guide in your personal journey.

For now, though, take what resonates, experiment with what feels right, and trust that your path to success is uniquely yours. Sometimes, the most unconventional approaches lead to the most extraordinary results.