Drifting: The Secret Habit That’s Sabotaging Your Success (And How to Stop)

How to Recognize and Break Free from the Invisible Force Holding You Back

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a rut, endlessly scrolling through your phone, or saying ‘yes’ to things that don’t excite you? If so, you might be drifting. In ‘Outwitting the Devil,’ Napoleon Hill exposes drifting as the real reason most people fail to achieve their dreams. Drifting is not about laziness or lack of intelligence; it’s about living without clear direction, letting life happen to you instead of making life happen.

According to Hill, drifting is the result of fear, indecision, and the habit of postponing difficult choices. The Devil in the book boasts that he controls 98% of humanity through drifting. The signs are everywhere: procrastination, blaming others, avoiding responsibility, and constantly changing direction without ever reaching a destination.

The good news? Drifting is a habit, and habits can be changed. The first step is awareness—recognizing when you’re drifting. Next comes definiteness of purpose: setting clear, meaningful goals and making fast, firm decisions. Hill suggests starting each day with a written plan, reviewing your progress, and adjusting as needed. Surround yourself with people who support your vision and avoid environments that encourage passivity.

The blog shares real-life stories of people who broke free from drifting, from entrepreneurs who overcame years of aimlessness to artists who found their voice after decades of self-doubt. The message is clear: drifting may be the Devil’s favorite weapon, but it loses all power the moment you decide to take control.

For more on drifting and how to defeat it, check out this Medium article and 12min.com’s summary. 1 4