Ever heard the saying,
“Success is a journey, not a destination”? It’s one of those cliché quotes we
roll our eyes at—until we realize just how true it is. As someone who’s hopped
off the entrepreneurial rollercoaster (with all its exhilarating highs and
terrifying lows), I’ve learned that truly happy, successful folks are often the
ones who protect certain aspects of their lives like gold.
Below, I’m sharing
eight things these folks keep under wraps—backed by insights from psychology
and sprinkled with lessons from my own trial-by-fire experiences.
1. Their Long-Term Goals
Sure, they’ll mention
a big vision or a dream project, but the details? Not always.
Psychologists say that
announcing your goals too widely can lead to a “social reality” effect, where
you feel satisfied just by talking about them—leaving less motivation to follow
through.
Happy, successful
people keep their real action plan private, working in silence until they’re
ready to showcase the results.
I remember when I was launching my first startup, I eagerly told
everyone about my world-changing ideas. The more I talked, the less I actually did. It was a humbling lesson in the power of
quiet progress.
2. Their Personal Struggles
Even the most
outwardly confident people battle self-doubt, anxiety, or stress. But rather
than publicizing their every worry, they choose a trusted circle (think close
friends, family, or a mentor) to confide in.
Research shows
that selective vulnerability can help maintain healthy boundaries, preventing
burnout and protecting emotional well-being.
3. Their Next Big Move
Happy, successful
individuals are strategic. They know when to share information—and when to hold
back. Whether it’s a product launch, a career shift, or a new approach to a
passion project, they keep it on the down-low until it’s almost set in stone.
This tactic helps them
avoid external pressures and the risk of premature criticism.
Personally, I once
teased a “game-changing pivot” in my company months before we had any concrete
plans. The result? Potential investors kept pestering me for details, and
competitors got wind of the concept.
Lesson learned: Speak
softly, carry your big idea quietly.
4. Their Next Level of Self-Improvement
Ever notice how some
folks just radiate growth—mentally, physically, and emotionally—but they rarely
brag about it?
Happy, successful
people channel their personal development goals inward. They’ll quietly take up
a new language, a course, or a fitness challenge.
They let their results
do the talking, sparing themselves from external judgment and expectation.
5. Their Income and Financial Details
Finances can be
touchy, and while successful people might hint at achievements or investments,
they rarely disclose exact numbers.
Studies have
found that exposure to others’ curated online personas can lead to increased
dissatisfaction with one’s own income and achievements, as individuals are more
likely to compare themselves to other.
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By keeping certain
financial details off-limits, they can navigate their success with less drama
and fewer distractions.
6. Their Mistakes and Failures—Until They’ve Learned the Lesson
We all make mistakes (trust me, I’ve got a highlight reel
I’d rather delete). But
truly fulfilled people typically wait until they’ve processed the lessons
before turning their failures into anecdotes.
Psychology calls this
“reflective disclosure,” where sharing is more impactful once you’ve had time
to grow from the experience.
When my second startup
flopped, I instinctively wanted to vent on social media. But a mentor advised
me to first explore the root causes, fix what I could, and identify what I’d do
differently next time. Only then did I share the story publicly—and it
resonated way more deeply with others.
7. Their Family Conflicts and Intimate Relationships
As tempting as it is
to post every sweet or sour moment on social media, happy, successful people
usually opt for privacy here. It’s not about secrecy—it’s about respect.
Psychologysuggests
that protecting the boundaries around personal relationships fosters deeper
trust and stronger emotional bonds.
Love and loyalty
flourish best with healthy, respectful privacy.
8. Their True Source of Motivation
This one might come as
a surprise. Many people assume everyone’s motivated by money, recognition, or
status. In reality, it could be the desire to leave a lasting impact, ensure a
better life for their kids, or even overcome personal demons.
Happy, successful
people guard their inner fire so it doesn’t get diluted by outside opinions. By
keeping their deepest motivators private, they stay authentic and driven.
Final Thoughts
From my own journey,
I’ve seen that keeping certain things private isn’t about being secretive—it’s
about nurturing your growth in a safe space.
Whenever I’ve followed
these principles, I’ve been able to move forward with greater focus and
resilience. The next time you’re tempted to share every detail of your life
with the world, take a step back. Ask yourself if it’s really adding value or
if it’s just feeding your need for external validation.
Remember: Happiness
and success aren’t measured by how many people know your plans, but by how well
you protect your vision—and follow through when the time is right.
Until next time, I’m
Ethan Sterling, and I hope these insights give you a little boost on your own
road to fulfillment. Keep some things to yourself, and let your achievements do
the talking. After all, the best success stories are written behind the scenes,
before the spotlight ever hits.
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