As the founder of Hack Spirit, I’ve been fortunate to meet many highly successful people, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t exclusive to those who seem “perfect.”
In fact, it’s often those with visible flaws who rise to the top.
There are, however, certain behaviors that these “deeply flawed” yet successful individuals tend to display.
In this article, we’ll dive into five of these behaviors that can transform obstacles into opportunities.
Get ready for some real talk about what success truly looks like.
1) They harness their flaws
One of the most common traits among successful individuals with deep flaws is their ability to harness these flaws rather than hide them.
They don’t shy away from their imperfections, but rather use them as fuel for their journey to success.
Whether it’s using a perceived weakness as a unique strength, or transforming a personal struggle into a compelling story, these individuals find ways of turning what others see as negative into positive.
In my own life, for example, I used to struggle with self-doubt and overthinking.
These tendencies often held me back, making me second-guess my choices and delay decisions.
But over time, I realized I could channel this habit of careful thinking into a strength.
I started using it to analyze situations more deeply, anticipate challenges, and make more strategic choices for my business.
Instead of letting my self-doubt limit me, I embraced it as a tool for thorough preparation, and it’s played a key role in Hack Spirit’s growth.
2) They aren’t afraid to take risks
Can you think of a time when you held back from taking a risk, even though something inside you was nudging you forward?
I’m sure you can—we’ve all shied away from opportunities because of fear, uncertainty, or a desire to stay in our comfort zones.
However, almost every successful person I know has managed to overcome this fear.
It’s not that they don’t feel it; they just refuse to let it stop them.
They understand that risks are often the gateway to growth, learning, and unexpected success.
As Einstein once said, “Failure is success in progress.”
They view each risk, even if it doesn’t pan out, as an essential step forward.
This mindset not only allows them to handle failure gracefully but also keeps them moving forward—stronger, wiser, and more resilient each time.
3) They don’t seek validation
This might seem counter-intuitive, but hear me out.
While many of us are conditioned to seek approval from others, these individuals understand that true validation comes from within.
They don’t let others’ opinions define their worth or dictate their path.
This isn’t to say they disregard feedback or constructive criticism – quite the opposite.
They’re open to receiving feedback but they know that at the end of the day, it’s their own judgment that matters most.
This inner confidence and self-reliance can be incredibly liberating.
It allows them to make decisions based on their own values and instincts, rather than trying to please others or fit into societal norms.
4) They have a growth mindset
This is a big one. Whether they realize it or not, almost all successful people seem to have this trait.
This concept, developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
As Dweck explains, “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.”
These individuals don’t see their flaws as fixed traits but as areas for improvement.
They understand that failure is not a reflection of their worth but an opportunity for growth.
This perspective encourages lifelong learning and resilience, which are essential for personal and professional success.
They’re not afraid to face challenges or to make mistakes because they know that these are stepping stones towards improvement.
5) They practice gratitude
Gratitude might not be the first trait that comes to mind when thinking about successful people, but it’s a powerful practice that many deeply flawed yet successful individuals have in common.
Even as they strive for more, they recognize the importance of pausing to appreciate what they already have.
As noted by CNBC, many hyper-successful people, like Oprah Winfrey, Arianna Huffington, and Tony Robbins, have openly acknowledged that gratitude plays a vital role in their lives and success.
Oprah has said “I got everything because I practiced being grateful” while Tony Robbins includes gratitude as a core part of his daily routine to maintain a positive mindset.
I can also attest to the benefits of this.
During a particularly stressful time when I was starting Hack Spirit, I found myself constantly overwhelmed, always worrying about what needed to be done next.
It was easy to lose sight of why I’d started and what I had already achieved.
So I began a daily gratitude practice, taking a few minutes each morning to write down three things I was thankful for.
This simple habit helped me refocus, reminding me of the progress I’d already made and the support I had around me.
Gratitude shifted my mindset, helping me move forward with a clearer, more positive outlook, and it’s been a grounding part of my routine ever since.
The point is by practicing gratitude, these individuals create a sense of contentment that keeps them balanced and resilient.
Instead of fixating solely on what they want to achieve, they stay mindful of what they have, which fuels them to keep going without losing sight of what truly matters.
Wrapping up
Success isn’t about being flawless—it’s about learning to work with who you are, flaws and all.
The individuals who rise to the top despite (or maybe because of) their imperfections are proof that traits like resilience, self-awareness, and gratitude can turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.
If you recognize any of these behaviors in yourself, know that you’re already on a powerful path.
And if some feel like a stretch, take it as a reminder that small changes in mindset can make a world of difference.
Success is a journey, and embracing your unique quirks and challenges can be the key to unlocking your true potential.
Here’s to navigating the road to success, one perfectly imperfect step at a time.
