7 things high performers never do—no matter what

One of the most fascinating things about running multiple ventures is seeing firsthand how different people handle challenges. 

I’ve watched certain individuals thrive in pressure-cooker environments, hitting deadlines with creativity to spare. Others struggle the moment things get shaky, looking for an escape route or a scapegoat. 

Over time, I started noticing a set of behaviors the top achievers I work with simply refuse to engage in—no matter how tempting it might be.

If you’re aiming to elevate your game, or if you just find peak performance endlessly interesting like I do, let’s dive into seven things I’ve seen high performers never do. 

These folks all seem to share a common mindset of discipline, accountability, and curiosity that keeps them going strong in any field. 

My hope is that by exploring these “never do” habits, you’ll spot a few ideas you can use to help your own performance skyrocket.

1. They never blame circumstances or other people

Let’s face it: if something goes wrong, it’s always simpler to point the finger outward than to look inward. We’re wired to protect our ego. 

But high performers operate on a different level. They genuinely hate wasting time on excuses.

Instead of complaining, they ask, “What can I do better next time?” or “How can I fix this now?”

I remember a time when one of my team members botched an important product launch.

While everyone else was busy pointing fingers—blaming the platform we used or the timeline that was “too tight”—he took charge and said, “I should’ve tested this a second time.” 

Watching him own up to the failure was both refreshing and inspiring. That ownership mindset basically flipped the script, turning a problematic launch into a learning opportunity.

Here at Small Biz Technology, we often talk about resilience in the face of unexpected tech glitches or sudden market shifts. True resilience starts with accepting that, while you can’t always dictate your circumstances, you can control your response.

2. They never let distractions take over

It’s never been easier to get sidetracked. We live in an age where notifications pop up every other minute, and social media can chew up a whole afternoon before you even realize it. 

Cal Newport, in his book “Deep Work,” argued that our ability to concentrate is becoming a rare skill in the modern workforce.

As he famously put it, “The ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly valuable at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly rare.” 

It’s no coincidence that the top people I collaborate with schedule “unreachable” hours to dedicate entirely to a major task.

They shut off phone notifications, close unnecessary browser tabs, and let their minds dive into the project at hand without interruption.

High performers treat their focus like gold, guarding it fiercely against anything that doesn’t serve their broader goals. They understand that deep work is critical for producing high-quality results.

3. They never underestimate the power of planning

When I first jumped into entrepreneurship, I was more of a seat-of-the-pants type. I assumed winging it would keep me nimble. 

It wasn’t until I started working with high-caliber individuals that I realized how tightly they plan. 

I’m not saying they micromanage their schedules down to the second. Rather, they’re intentional about laying out goals and setting priorities.

One of my business partners likes to outline his “Big 3” each week: three core objectives that, if completed, would make the week a success. Everything else, he says, is a bonus. 

I’ve adopted a similar tactic myself. By having a limited number of top goals, you keep your attention on the big wins rather than getting lost in a thousand minor tasks.

Planning doesn’t mean you must write a 50-page strategy document. It can be as simple as a sticky note with your non-negotiable tasks for the day. 

The point is that high performers don’t rely on luck or random inspiration. They chart a path—even a rough one—and adapt along the way, which is vastly different from winging it every single morning.

In fact, research backs that up – studies show that there’s a strong connection between goal-setting and success. No wonder they’re such high performers. 

4. They never stop learning

I’ve seen this pattern repeatedly: those operating at the highest level have a constant thirst for new knowledge or perspectives. 

They read voraciously—be it business books, psychology research, or leadership studies. Some devour online courses, others attend workshops or conferences. 

Regardless of the format, they view learning as an ongoing journey, not a one-time event.

Warren Buffett once famously remarked, “The best investment you can make is in yourself.”

Every time I read that quote, I’m reminded of how even the wealthiest, most successful individuals on the planet recognize that your skill set and knowledge base are your greatest assets. 

This is especially evident in the digital age, where technologies and techniques rapidly evolve. 

The top performers I know are always learning a new skill, trying new software, or exploring fresh marketing strategies. They don’t wait for obsolescence to happen; they stay ahead of the curve by proactively leveling up.

5. They never let their health slide indefinitely

Late nights, constant hustle, and an endless supply of caffeine—trust me, I’ve lived that life. I used to think self-care was optional. 

Then I watched key team members, the real rock stars, who somehow managed to fit workouts, proper sleep, and even occasional breaks into their schedules. They did this even when deadlines loomed or the pressure dialed up.

Those who excel long-term treat their bodies (and minds) like performance vehicles that need regular tuning. 

They know ignoring their well-being leads to burnout, reduced clarity, and a host of other issues that sabotage success. 

One bit of research points out that chronic stress undermines productivity and can result in poor decision-making. 

That alone should convince anyone that self-care isn’t a fluffy luxury—it’s a vital component of sustained performance. 

The difference between average performers and the top-tier folks is that the latter never let their health concerns get shoved into an endless backlog. They address them, they schedule rest days, and they see well-being as part of the job.

6. They never ignore feedback

No matter how skilled or experienced someone is, feedback remains a goldmine of insight. But it takes a certain level of humility to actively seek it out and—more importantly—listen. 

High performers across my various ventures share this trait: they value outside perspectives. 

They’ll survey customers, team members, or even anonymous users to find out what can be improved. Then they do something about it.

I recall one particularly memorable instance when we were rolling out a new product in one of my companies. A junior developer raised concerns that the user interface was confusing. 

Let’s be honest: it’s tempting to dismiss a junior’s critique, but the top people on the project took his feedback seriously, leading to an interface overhaul that drastically improved user satisfaction. 

That’s the difference in mindset. High performers aren’t threatened by suggestions; they use them as fuel for innovation.

By regularly acting on constructive feedback, these individuals refine their approach and keep getting better. 

It’s a cycle that feeds itself: the more they improve, the more trust they build, encouraging even more honest feedback.

7. They never let failure define them

If you spend enough time in the entrepreneurial world, you’ll know that failure is practically baked into the process of building something. 

The question is never “Will I fail?” but “What do I do once I fail?” 

High achievers I’ve observed handle setbacks by analyzing them, taking the lessons, and moving forward. 

No sulking, no permanent pity parties—just a forward motion that says, “Alright, that sucked. Here’s how I bounce back.”

As Viktor Frankl wrote in “Man’s Search for Meaning,” “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” 

While Frankl’s work addresses deeper existential challenges, the principle still applies in business and personal development. 

There will be roadblocks you can’t bulldoze out of existence—economic downturns, unexpected competitor moves, or personal crises. 

At those moments, the difference-maker is your ability to adapt and come away wiser.

Final words

Whether you’re leading a company, working a nine-to-five, or just trying to level up in your personal life, there’s a lot we can learn by watching what top performers consistently avoid.

Ultimately, these behaviors aren’t superhuman. They’re choices. And they’re choices anyone can start making right now. 

If you’re inspired to shift your own approach, think about which of these seven “never do” habits resonates the most with your current struggles. 

My advice? Tackle one or two changes at a time. The real magic is in consistent, incremental improvements that become second nature over time.

Remember, no one’s perfect. I’ve stumbled on just about every point on this list. But having the awareness to steer back on track is what sets the best apart from the rest. 

So if you see yourself in any of these “never do” habits, great—you’re already one step closer to raising your own bar.