10 tiny behaviors that speak volumes about a person’s potential for success

Success isn’t just about what you achieve, but also how you behave.

Hi, I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness enthusiast. I firmly believe that small behaviors can reveal a lot about a person’s potential to succeed.

You see, it’s not always the grand gestures or major decisions that define our trajectory towards success. Often, it’s the little things we do, or don’t do, each day that speak volumes.

In this article, I’m excited to share with you 10 tiny behaviors that speak volumes about a person’s potential for success. These are subtle signs that, when noticed, can tell you if someone is on the path to greatness.

Get ready to discover what small behaviors might indicate big potential.

1. They pay attention to details

Let’s kick things off with a seemingly small trait that can have a big impact – attention to detail.

In my observation, people with a keen eye for detail often have an advantage when it comes to achieving success.

It’s not just about spotting errors or making sure things look perfect. It’s about noticing the little things that others might ignore, and using that information to make informed decisions.

This ability to notice and understand the intricacies of situations can lead to better problem-solving, more efficient work practices, and ultimately, greater success.

So next time you see someone going that extra mile to ensure everything is just right, remember – it could be a sign of their potential for great success.

2. They stay consistent with small daily habits

Another tiny behavior that I’ve noticed among successful people is consistency.

The most successful people aren’t necessarily the ones who make huge strides in a day – they’re the ones who make small, consistent steps towards their goals every single day.

For instance, when I started Hack Spirit, I didn’t start it with the intention of it becoming the largest self-improvement blog on the internet. Instead, I focused on consistently writing and publishing high-quality articles. Day after day, month after month.

And over time, this consistent effort has led to the growth and success of Hack Spirit.

As the renowned psychologist B.F. Skinner once stated, “Small steps can lead to big changes.” The tiny behavior of being consistent in your actions can indeed pave the way for massive success in the future.

3. They practice mindfulness

Mindfulness, or the ability to be present in the moment, is another small behavior that can indicate a person’s potential for success.

Successful individuals are often fully engaged in their tasks, not distracted by past regrets or future anxieties.

They are present, focused, and aware of their surroundings and feelings.

This mindfulness allows them to make better decisions, be more creative, and enjoy their work more.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve deeper into the practice of mindfulness. I discuss how this ancient practice can help us reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve our overall quality of life.

Mastering mindfulness is far from easy. But the benefits it brings to our personal and professional lives make it a worthwhile endeavor.

As Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh rightly put it, “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”

4. They aren’t afraid to fail

A surprising behavior that can hint at a person’s potential for success is their attitude towards failure. Rather than seeing it as a setback, successful people often view failure as a learning opportunity.

According to psychology, the way we perceive and react to failure can greatly influence our future performance. Those who see failure as a chance to grow and learn are much more likely to bounce back and succeed in the future.

This concept, known as a “growth mindset,” was developed by psychologist Carol Dweck. In her research, she found that individuals with a growth mindset are better able to handle challenges, learn from criticism, and ultimately achieve their goals.

As Dweck herself puts it, “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.”

So the next time you encounter failure, remember: it’s an opportunity for growth and a potential sign of future success.

5. They take notes and stay curious

Speaking of growth, have you ever noticed how the most interesting people always have something new to share? That’s because they’re constantly learning.

They jot down ideas, save articles, and ask a million questions. It’s not about memorizing facts—it’s about staying engaged with the world.

Taking notes might seem like a small thing, but it shows someone values growth. They don’t just nod along in meetings or conversations; they capture ideas and reflect on them later.

That curiosity keeps them ahead of the game, always absorbing new insights.

You don’t have to carry a notebook everywhere to have this trait. But if someone actively seeks knowledge and remembers the little details, chances are they’re going places.

6. They manage their emotions instead of reacting impulsively

Everyone gets frustrated sometimes. The difference is in how people handle it.

Some lash out, while others take a breath, process their emotions, and respond calmly.

That self-control says a lot about someone’s ability to succeed. Research shows that emotional intelligence is actually four times more powerful than IQ in predicting success.

That’s why successful people don’t let their feelings run the show. They pause before reacting, knowing that emotional outbursts rarely lead to good decisions. Instead of sending an angry email or making a rash choice, they step back and think things through.

It’s not about suppressing emotions—it’s about managing them. When someone can stay composed under pressure, it’s a sign of resilience. And resilience is what keeps people moving forward, no matter the setbacks.

7. They follow through on small commitments

Some people think success is about making big moves, but it’s often the little things that matter most.

If someone says they’ll send a document by noon and actually does it, that tells you something. It’s easy to promise, but follow-through? That’s rare.

People who keep their word—even on the smallest things—are the ones who build trust. They don’t just talk about being reliable; they prove it.

When they say, “I’ll call you back in five minutes,” they actually do. Over time, these tiny acts add up, creating a reputation for dependability.

Success isn’t built overnight, but habits like this make all the difference. If someone takes their small commitments seriously, you can bet they’ll do the same with the big ones.

8. They take responsibility instead of making excuses

Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone owns up to them. Some people blame bad luck, difficult coworkers, or the weather—while others say, “That’s on me,” and fix it.

Taking responsibility isn’t just about admitting faults. It’s about being proactive.

People with this trait don’t waste time pointing fingers. They look for solutions and keep moving forward.

You can spot them easily. They’re the ones who don’t dwell on problems or play the victim. Instead, they take charge of their actions—and that’s the kind of mindset that leads to success.

9. They listen more than they speak

It might seem simple, but active listening is a subtle behavior that can have a significant impact on one’s potential for success.

Successful people listen because they know that’s how you learn. They don’t interrupt or rush to share their own opinions. Instead, they take in what others say, process it, and respond thoughtfully.

This habit sets them apart. When someone values what others have to say, they naturally build better relationships. And strong relationships are the backbone of real success.

Successful people understand the value of truly listening to others, rather than just waiting for their turn to speak.

By doing so, they gain a deeper understanding of people’s needs, desires, and perspectives, which can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving.

10. They seek feedback

Lastly, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of seeking feedback. It’s not always easy to hear criticism about our work, ideas, or behaviors, but it’s often through feedback that we grow and improve.

It’s a tiny behavior that holds great power. By actively seeking feedback, we show that we are open to learning and improving. It gives us a chance to see things from a different perspective and to make changes that can lead to success.

And it’s not just about seeking feedback, but also about how we handle it. Taking criticism graciously, whether it’s positive or negative, is a sign of maturity and a growth mindset, definitely significant predictors of success.

Final thoughts

As we’ve explored throughout this article, the path to success isn’t always grand or obvious. Sometimes, it’s the little behaviors, the subtle habits, that can reveal a person’s potential for success.

Whether it’s paying attention to detail, seeking feedback, or simply taking time off, these small actions can make a significant difference in our journey towards success. They’re not just behaviors, but reflections of our mindset and attitude towards life.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve into how mindfulness and other practices can enhance these behaviors and contribute to our overall growth.

And finally, keep in mind that success isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Don’t just focus on the end goal. Pay attention to the small behaviors that you engage in daily. Nurture them, cherish them, for they are the stepping stones that lead you towards your desired success.