When we picture successful people, we often imagine nonstop schedules, relentless focus, and calendars packed so tightly that breathing looks optional.

But if you peek behind the curtain, the habits that keep many high achievers moving forward are stranger, softer, or just plain quirky.

Some of them border on counterintuitive and may look eccentric from the outside. Yet these unusual practices work precisely because they break away from the expected. They preserve energy, spark creativity, and sustain motivation where more conventional strategies fall flat.

Here are eight unusual habits of highly successful people that might surprise you—yet actually work.

1. They schedule “do nothing” time

Have you ever noticed how your best ideas often arrive when you’re not trying? In the shower, on a walk, or staring out the window—those unstructured moments spark connections your to-do list never could.

Successful people recognize this and intentionally block off “do nothing” time. It may look unproductive on the surface, but it creates space for reflection, recovery, and creativity. 

I once worked with a colleague who blocked an hour of “staring at the ceiling” in his calendar each Friday. He wasn’t kidding. That hour often produced more breakthroughs than the five meetings before it. Structured stillness is a surprisingly effective productivity tool.

2. They ask “dumb” questions

Here’s a question: when was the last time you stopped a conversation to ask something basic?

Most people avoid it, worried they’ll look uninformed. Successful people, though, embrace it.

They know that so-called “dumb” questions often expose hidden assumptions. Asking “Why do we do it this way?” or “What happens if we try the opposite?” can unlock ideas that others overlook.

Psychologists describe this as beginner’s mind, a mindset borrowed from Zen teaching and studied in creativity research. By suspending expertise and approaching problems with openness, people increase the odds of breakthrough insights.

The courage to risk looking naïve can be the smartest move in the room.

3. They embrace small, deliberate discomforts

When I first tried cold showers, I thought I’d last about ten seconds. But a funny thing happened: enduring those short bursts of discomfort made bigger challenges—like presenting to a skeptical audience—feel less intimidating.

Successful people often build resilience by deliberately leaning into discomfort. It could be fasting, tackling tasks without caffeine, or setting strict limits on screen time.

These controlled experiments strengthen willpower and reduce fear of larger obstacles.

The psychology behind it is simple: exposing yourself to manageable stress builds tolerance, much like exercise builds muscle. Over time, your brain learns that discomfort isn’t a signal to panic but a cue that you can adapt.

4. They set bizarre personal rules

Steve Jobs wore the same outfit almost every day. Warren Buffett eats McDonald’s breakfasts based on the stock market’s mood.

These personal rules may sound eccentric, but they serve a clear purpose: reducing decision fatigue.

By automating small choices, successful people free up cognitive energy for the big stuff. Decision-making is mentally draining—according to research, our willpower gets depleted after repeated choices, a phenomenon known as ego depletion.

I once worked with a manager who banned himself from scheduling meetings after 2 p.m. His afternoons became sacred creative time, and the team quickly adjusted. His “weird” rule turned into a productivity safeguard.

Personal rules may look arbitrary, but they function as guardrails against chaos.

5. They track energy, not just time

Most of us measure productivity by the clock. Highly successful people flip the script and track energy instead. They know an hour of drained work isn’t equal to an hour of energized focus.

They often map their day around energy peaks: creative tasks when they’re sharp, routine tasks when they’re tired, recovery built in before burnout hits. This habit transforms output because it respects natural rhythms rather than forcing constant grind.

One entrepreneur I know keeps a daily energy log, scoring his focus from 1 to 10. After a few weeks, patterns emerge—he knows exactly when to schedule tough conversations and when to schedule naps.

Success often comes from aligning effort with energy, not just filling hours.

6. They practice “reverse networking”

Most people network upward—seeking mentors, investors, or leaders who can help them climb.

Successful people often practice the reverse: they invest downward and sideways, nurturing relationships where they can give more than they get.

Reverse networking builds trust and goodwill in unexpected places. It means mentoring juniors, collaborating across departments, or helping peers without immediate payoff.

Over time, those relationships compound into influence, reputation, and unexpected opportunities.

It’s unusual because it runs counter to transactional networking. But it works precisely because it creates a wider base of authentic support. Success becomes a team sport rather than a solo race.

7. They talk to themselves (out loud)

If you’ve ever caught yourself muttering during a stressful task, you’re in good company.

Many successful people talk to themselves—out loud—when making decisions, motivating themselves, or rehearsing big moments.

It may look strange, but research shows self-talk improves focus and regulation. A study in the European Journal of Social Psychology found that motivational self-talk enhances performance by reinforcing goals and reducing anxiety.

Speaking thoughts aloud creates distance, turning vague worries into clear statements you can challenge or redirect.

I still remember pacing before a major presentation, whispering through my opening lines like a nervous actor. It felt silly in the moment, but when I finally got on stage, my delivery was smooth.

Talking to yourself isn’t a sign of madness—it’s a sign of preparation.

8. They gamify their goals

Why do some people stick to grueling habits while others fizzle out? Often, it comes down to motivation.

Successful people know that if you make the process playful, persistence skyrockets.

That’s why they gamify their goals: scoring points for tasks, rewarding streaks, or competing against their past selves. Turning challenges into games tricks the brain into releasing dopamine, making effort feel less like drudgery and more like progress.

One friend of mine tracks his workouts on a giant scoreboard in his kitchen. Every completed session earns a tally. He swears it’s the childish thrill of “winning” against the blank space that keeps him consistent.

What looks unusual is actually clever psychology—fun fuels discipline.

Final thoughts

What looks strange on the surface is often just someone finding their own rhythm and honoring it consistently.

At its core, achievement is less about following a universal formula and more about the courage to trust your own process—even when it doesn’t look like anyone else’s.

That willingness to lean into what works for you, however unconventional, is what sets the foundation for lasting progress.