We all want success, but how do we achieve it? The road to success isn’t as straightforward as we think. In fact, some of the most surprising facts about success come from organizational psychologist Adam Grant, who has spent years studying the behaviors of successful individuals and organizations. Here are 10 surprising stats that might just change the way you think about success.
1. Success Is More About Givers Than Takers
Adam Grant's research shows that the most successful people are often those who give the most. In fact, givers—people who are generous with their time, knowledge, and resources—often outshine takers in the long run. Givers create networks of support, while takers focus on their own success at the expense of others.
2. The Power of "Divergent Thinking"
Did you know that the ability to think divergently, rather than convergently, is linked to higher success rates? Divergent thinking involves thinking outside the box and coming up with many possible solutions to a problem. Successful people are often those who can generate multiple ideas rather than just solving one problem at a time.
3. It Takes 10,000 Hours... But Not in the Way You Think
The famous "10,000-hour rule" often linked to mastery and success is actually a misconception. Grant argues that deliberate practice and feedback are the true key to success, not just the raw accumulation of hours. Mastery isn’t a matter of time but of focused effort.
4. 70% of People Fail to Take Advantage of Networking
Networking isn’t just about shaking hands and handing out business cards. According to Grant’s studies, 70% of people fail to fully leverage their network. Successful people use networking to build genuine relationships, not just to “climb the ladder.”
5. Failure Is Not the End—It’s Part of the Journey
Failure is often seen as a setback, but in reality, failure is crucial for success. People who embrace failure as a learning experience tend to bounce back quicker and achieve greater success than those who avoid risk altogether. As Grant says, "Fail faster, learn quicker."
6. "Not Knowing" Is Often More Valuable Than "Knowing"
Successful people are often the ones who don't have all the answers, but are open to learning. Grant's research finds that those who admit they don't know something are more likely to seek out the right information and build better solutions in the long run.
7. The Best Leaders Are Those Who Empower Others
Grant emphasizes that leadership is not about dominating others, but about empowering them. The most successful leaders create environments where people can thrive, make decisions, and grow in their roles.
8. Success Requires Sacrifice, But Not at the Cost of Your Health
Many successful people claim to work long hours and make huge sacrifices. However, research shows that those who take care of their health—both mental and physical—are more likely to sustain long-term success. The key is balance.
9. Happiness Is More About Progress Than Perfection
Grant's research reveals that people who focus on progress—rather than perfection—are more likely to feel satisfied in their work and lives. Celebrating small wins along the way keeps people motivated and engaged in the long term.
10. Success Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Success isn’t a one-time event; it’s a long-term process. Grant’s findings suggest that the most successful people view success as a marathon, and they focus on consistent effort rather than short bursts of peak performance.
Tracking Your Success with Life Planner
Now that you’re armed with these surprising stats about success, it's time to put them into action. One of the best ways to stay on top of your goals is by using Life Planner. With its Habit Tracker and Habit Calendar, you can easily track your progress on key habits that lead to success. Whether it's mastering a new skill, networking more effectively, or just sticking to your daily routine, Life Planner can help you stay on track.
The Todo List and Journal features help you organize your day and reflect on your personal growth. Plus, the Mood Tracker helps you stay mindful of your emotional health as you work toward success.
Start tracking your success today with Life Planner and see how these surprising stats can help you achieve your goals. Download the app and take your productivity to the next level!