If there’s one person whose definition of success turns heads and sets trends, it’s Elon Musk. From reshaping electric vehicles to pioneering private space travel, Musk’s ventures are as bold as his personality. Yet, behind the flashy headlines, there’s a consistent message from Musk about what it takes—and more importantly, what it doesn’t take—to achieve lasting success.
Digging deeper into Musk’s interviews, tweets, and keynote speeches, I’ve identified six common habits he insists we ditch to pave the way for genuine achievement. Let’s explore what these are, and why shedding them can transform your path to success.
1. Caring too much about criticism
How often do you hesitate because you worry about what people might say? Musk once famously tweeted, “Constantly seek criticism. A well thought out critique of whatever you’re doing is as valuable as gold.” But there’s a critical caveat: he seeks constructive criticism, not approval.
In Musk’s world, if you’re continually preoccupied with what others think, you’re stifling innovation and creativity. Real growth means embracing feedback but not letting negative opinions control your direction.
2. Procrastinating on decisions
Ever felt stuck making even simple choices? Musk emphasizes rapid decision-making, arguing that procrastination doesn’t just delay results—it kills momentum. “If something is important enough, even if the odds are stacked against you, you should still do it,” he once remarked.
Successful decision-making involves taking swift, informed risks. Musk’s strategy isn’t about recklessness; it’s about recognizing when speed matters more than perfection. Research backs him up: psychologists have found decision paralysis significantly hinders success.
3. Dwelling on past failures
Hands up if you’ve ever replayed past mistakes over and over in your mind. Musk’s advice is simple: move on. Reflect, yes, but obsess? Absolutely not. Musk’s entrepreneurial journey is littered with setbacks—from failed rocket launches at SpaceX to early struggles with Tesla.
But his secret is never getting stuck in regret. He treats failure like a tool for learning rather than a permanent roadblock.
4. Multitasking excessively
Think multitasking makes you efficient? Musk disagrees—and science supports him. Despite managing multiple high-profile companies, Musk insists on focusing intently on one task at a time, maximizing productivity and creativity.
Excessive multitasking divides your attention, dilutes your effectiveness, and amplifies stress. Neuroscientific research confirms that frequent multitasking impairs productivity and cognitive performance.
5. Avoiding discomfort
Have you ever sidestepped opportunities simply because they felt uncomfortable or risky? Musk is clear on this: genuine growth rarely happens in comfort zones. Building a successful electric car brand or launching rockets privately into space wasn’t comfortable—it was brutally challenging.
Musk advises embracing discomfort as the path to growth, arguing that confronting challenges head-on expands your skills and resilience. Studies consistently show that regularly stepping out of your comfort zone significantly enhances personal and professional development.
6. Spending too much time online
Surprised by this one? Despite his infamous Twitter presence, Musk warns against excessive screen time, particularly social media. He recommends purposeful use of digital tools—leveraging them as platforms for communication and learning rather than aimless scrolling and endless distraction.
Musk understands that digital distractions significantly reduce productivity, creativity, and mental well-being. A study highlights that frequent digital distractions significantly impair focus, leading to substantial productivity loss.
Wrapping up
It’s easy to look at someone like Elon Musk and feel daunted by his achievements. But peeling back the layers, his insights are strikingly simple—and incredibly actionable. Success, according to Musk, isn’t just about adopting powerful habits; it’s also about consciously letting go of the behaviors holding us back.
Dropping these six habits won’t instantly transform your life overnight, but consistently removing these roadblocks paves the way for greater productivity, resilience, and ultimately, success. Musk’s own journey illustrates the powerful truth: letting go of what holds you back can propel you further than you ever imagined possible.
