Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to observe mentors and highly successful people up close.
And one thing I’ve come to realize is that they’re incredibly selective about what they share. Despite their public persona or openness in other areas, there are certain details about themselves they keep strictly off-limits.
Today, we dive into five such things that highly successful people never share with others.
Curious about what they keep hidden? Let’s get to it.
1) How much they know
Have you ever noticed that the most successful people rarely flaunt their knowledge?
They don’t need to prove how smart they are in every conversation. In fact, they often do the opposite—choosing to listen more than they speak.
Instead of constantly offering advice or showcasing their expertise, they ask questions, letting others feel heard and important. This not only gives them the opportunity to gather more information, but it also prevents them from coming across as arrogant or overbearing.
By keeping some of their knowledge under wraps, they maintain an air of mystery and avoid unnecessary competition. It’s a subtle power move—they know their worth, but they don’t need to broadcast it.
2) Their deeper motives
This might seem harsh but one thing I have definitely noticed is that highly successful people often keep their true motives and long-term strategies to themselves.
While they may appear transparent or even collaborative on the surface, their deeper intentions remain concealed. This isn’t about being deceptive, but about protecting their vision from interference or sabotage.
I learned this lesson firsthand while working with a mentor on a major project involving an external partner. We had a strong relationship, and because of that, he shared more with me than most.
After a critical meeting with the partner, he pulled me aside and revealed that his true objectives for the project went far beyond what was being discussed in the room. If the partner knew his full plan, they’d likely resist or complicate the process.
“Let them focus on what they need to know,” he told me. “If you show all your cards too soon, they’ll try to control the outcome.” His strategy was to guide the external partner without ever revealing the full scope of his ambitions.
By the time everything was in place, it was too late for the partner to change course, and the project succeeded smoothly.
Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power underscores this principle in Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions. Whether it’s in business, relationships, or personal growth, the most successful people know that revealing too much can dilute their power and expose them to unnecessary risks.
So, they often smile, nod, and listen—while quietly plotting their next big move behind the scenes.
3) Their financial situation
Here’s one you probably guessed would make the list.
There’s an unspoken rule among the successful community that sharing specific details about income, net worth, or investments is considered poor form.
It’s not just about privacy; it’s about maintaining an image of professionalism and discretion. Revealing too much about one’s financial situation can lead to a host of problems—unwanted attention, assumptions, or even envy.
I learned this lesson the hard way early in my career.
At a social gathering, someone asked me point-blank about my salary. I didn’t know what to do, so I told them.
Big mistake.
From that moment, I noticed subtle shifts—some people began treating me differently, while others made comparisons or offhand remarks that I couldn’t shake.
I quickly realized how disclosing financial details can create uncomfortable dynamics and lead to judgments that had nothing to do with who I was or the value I brought to the table.
I lived to regret it and have since made it a personal rule to keep my financial information to myself.
For highly successful people, this kind of discretion isn’t just about avoiding awkward conversations—it’s about maintaining control over their narrative. They know that by keeping their finances private, they can sidestep unnecessary distractions and focus on what really matters: their work, their goals, and their continued success.
4) Negative perceptions
This is a big one.
One of the key principles from the classic book How to Win Friends and Influence People is: “Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain.” Successful individuals live by this, knowing that focusing on the negative only breeds resentment.
Even when they have every reason to criticize, they tend to hold back, understanding that doing so can make them seem difficult or overly negative. Instead, they stay solution-focused, which helps them maintain a positive image.
By keeping negative perceptions at bay, they ensure they’re seen as approachable, constructive, and easy to work with—qualities that keep their momentum going strong.
5) Their political and religious beliefs
Last but not least, highly successful people are often tight-lipped about their political and religious beliefs.
It’s not because they don’t hold strong convictions, but because they understand how divisive these topics can be. Revealing too much in these areas can alienate potential partners, clients, or team members who may not share the same views.
They know that discussing politics or religion openly can shift the focus from their work and achievements to debates that often lead nowhere. By keeping these opinions private, they maintain neutrality, allowing them to build connections with a broader range of people.
It’s not about hiding who they are—it’s about knowing that some conversations can burn bridges instead of building them.
Final thought: The art of discretion
The most successful people don’t just achieve their goals through talent and hard work—they also understand the importance of discretion.
Whether it’s concealing their true motives, keeping their knowledge under wraps, avoiding negativity, or staying silent on divisive topics like politics and religion, they know when to speak up and when to stay quiet.
It’s not about being secretive; it’s about being strategic. By holding back certain details, they protect their progress and relationships, allowing them to navigate the complexities of success without unnecessary obstacles.
Sometimes, what you don’t say can be just as powerful as what you do.
