Success often comes with its own set of peculiarities. While we’re familiar with common habits like early rising and goal-setting, some highly successful individuals swear by routines that might raise a few eyebrows. These unconventional practices, however odd they may seem, have played a crucial role in shaping the lives and careers of many high achievers. Let’s dive into eight strange habits that set the ultra-successful apart from the crowd. You might find yourself both amused and inspired by these quirky keys to success.
1. Extreme Wake-Up Calls
We’ve all heard that the early bird catches the worm, but some successful people take this to the extreme. While the average wake-up time for high achievers is around 6:27 a.m., a select few push the boundaries of early rising to an almost mythical level. Take Apple CEO Tim Cook, for instance, who reportedly wakes up at the eye-watering hour of 3:45 a.m. every day. This isn’t just about being an early riser; it’s about embracing what some call the “5 a.m. club” with a vengeance.
But why subject oneself to such an ungodly hour? For these extreme early birds, it’s about seizing control of the day before the world wakes up. This quiet time allows for uninterrupted focus on personal growth, strategic thinking, and tackling the most challenging tasks of the day. While it might sound torturous to most, these successful individuals have trained their bodies to thrive on this schedule, often going to bed early to compensate. If you’re considering joining this exclusive club, remember that consistency is key – your body clock needs time to adjust to such a dramatic shift.
2. Cold Showers and Ice Baths
Imagine starting your day by plunging into ice-cold water. Sounds uncomfortable, right? Yet, a surprising number of high achievers swear by this chilling practice. From tech moguls to professional athletes, the cold therapy trend has gained a dedicated following. Proponents claim it boosts alertness, improves circulation, and even enhances mood and focus throughout the day.
The science behind this icy ritual suggests that exposure to cold water can trigger the release of endorphins and increase the body’s resilience to stress. Some successful individuals start with a regular shower and gradually decrease the temperature, while others go full throttle with ice baths. While it might seem like torture, many report feeling invigorated and ready to tackle any challenge after their cold water immersion. If you’re intrigued but not quite ready for the full polar bear plunge, try ending your usual shower with a 30-second blast of cold water – you might be surprised at how refreshing it feels.
3. Bizarre Eating Habits
When it comes to fueling their bodies, some highly successful people have eating habits that would make nutritionists scratch their heads. Take Steve Jobs, for example, who was known for his extreme dietary quirks. At times, he would eat only one type of food, like carrots or apples, for weeks on end. While this isn’t a recommended approach to nutrition, Jobs believed that his restrictive diet enhanced his creativity and energy levels.
Another strange eating habit involves precise meal repetition. Some successful individuals eat the exact same meals every day, down to the gram. This might seem boring to most, but for these high achievers, it’s about eliminating decision fatigue. By automating their food choices, they free up mental energy for more important decisions. While these extreme eating habits aren’t for everyone, they highlight the lengths some go to optimize their performance. If you’re curious about streamlining your diet, consider planning your meals for the week – it’s a more balanced approach that still reduces daily decision-making.
4. Unconventional Sleep Schedules
While most of us stick to the traditional eight hours of nightly sleep, some successful people have adopted sleep patterns that seem to defy conventional wisdom. One such pattern is the polyphasic sleep schedule, where individuals break their sleep into multiple shorter periods throughout the day. This might involve a core sleep of 3-4 hours at night, supplemented by 20-minute power naps during the day.
Advocates of this strange sleep habit claim it allows them to sleep less overall while feeling more refreshed and productive. Inventor Nikola Tesla was said to follow a similar pattern, sleeping for only two hours a night. However, it’s important to note that these extreme sleep schedules can be challenging to maintain and may not be suitable for everyone. While experimenting with your sleep schedule can be beneficial, it’s crucial to listen to your body and ensure you’re getting enough rest to function optimally. If you’re intrigued by the idea of optimizing your sleep, consider starting with a more moderate approach, like incorporating a short afternoon nap into your routine.
5. Extreme Minimalism
In a world that often equates success with material possessions, some high achievers take the opposite approach, embracing extreme minimalism. This isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about stripping life down to the bare essentials. Take Mark Zuckerberg’s famously limited wardrobe – he wears nearly identical gray t-shirts every day. This habit isn’t about fashion; it’s about reducing decision fatigue and focusing mental energy on more important matters.
Other successful minimalists take this concept further, living in tiny homes or owning less than 100 personal items. This radical approach to simplicity is believed to clear mental clutter, reduce stress, and allow for greater focus on goals and personal growth. While such extreme minimalism might not be for everyone, the underlying principle of simplifying one’s life to reduce distractions and increase productivity is worth considering. If you’re intrigued by this concept, start small – try decluttering one area of your life, like your workspace or your morning routine, and see how it affects your focus and productivity.
6. Quirky Creativity Boosters
Creativity is a crucial asset for many successful people, and some have developed rather unusual methods to tap into their creative wellspring. One strange habit involves changing physical perspectives – literally. Some creatives swear by hanging upside down or working in unusual positions to get their creative juices flowing. The theory is that altering your physical perspective can lead to new mental perspectives and innovative ideas.
Another bizarre creativity-boosting technique involves deliberate sensory deprivation. Some successful individuals use flotation tanks or soundproof rooms to eliminate external stimuli, allowing their minds to wander and make new connections. While these methods might seem extreme, they underscore the importance of breaking routine and seeking new perspectives to foster creativity. If you’re looking to boost your own creativity, you don’t need to go to such lengths – try working in a different environment, like a park or a café, or engage in a completely unrelated activity when you’re stuck on a problem. Sometimes, the best ideas come when you’re not actively seeking them.
7. Obsessive Documentation
While many of us jot down notes or keep a journal, some highly successful individuals take documentation to an extreme level. They meticulously record every aspect of their lives – from daily activities and conversations to ideas and personal reflections. This isn’t just about keeping a diary; it’s about creating a comprehensive life archive. Some even go as far as recording all their phone calls or wearing body cameras to capture every moment of their day.
This obsessive documentation serves multiple purposes. It allows for detailed self-analysis, helps in identifying patterns and areas for improvement, and provides a rich source of ideas and insights. For these individuals, it’s a way of “sharpening the saw” – continuously learning from their experiences and refining their approach to life and work. While such extreme documentation might seem overwhelming, the underlying principle of regular self-reflection and analysis is valuable. Consider starting a simple daily journal or using a note-taking app to capture your thoughts and ideas. You might be surprised at the insights you gain from this practice.
8. Deliberate Discomfort
Perhaps one of the strangest habits of highly successful people is their willingness to embrace discomfort deliberately. This isn’t about being a masochist; it’s about pushing boundaries and building resilience. Some successful individuals regularly expose themselves to challenging or uncomfortable situations as a way of personal growth. This might involve public speaking for introverts, taking on physically demanding challenges, or even subjecting themselves to rejection on purpose.
The theory behind this strange habit is that by regularly facing discomfort, you expand your comfort zone and build mental toughness. It’s about training yourself to perform under pressure and to view challenges as opportunities rather than threats. While deliberately seeking out uncomfortable situations might seem counterintuitive, it aligns with the idea of taking calculated risks and stepping out of comfort zones – traits often associated with high achievers. If you’re intrigued by this concept, start small. Challenge yourself to do something that scares you every week, whether it’s striking up a conversation with a stranger or trying a new activity. Over time, you might find that your resilience and confidence grow significantly.
These strange habits of highly successful people might seem eccentric or even extreme, but they offer valuable insights into the mindset of high achievers. While adopting all these habits might not be practical or even advisable for everyone, they highlight the importance of self-awareness, continuous improvement, and the willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Success often requires thinking outside the box – sometimes way outside. The key is to find what works for you, be open to experimentation, and never stop seeking ways to grow and improve. Who knows? Your own quirky habit might be the key to unlocking your full potential.
