Retired racer Jimmie Johnson credits his multimillion-dollar success to shining his shoes and arriving 10 minutes early: ‘Small things matter’

NASCAR Hall of Fame racer Jimmie Johnson built a career on split-second decision-making at 200 miles per hour.

But one habit he credits most for his success has nothing to do with speed or winning the most trophies—it’s showing up early.

“Being 10 minutes early for a meeting is on time,” Johnson recently told Fortune in an interview.

“I can’t tell you how many times that left an impression, and I stood out of a crowd for whatever it was, even just sponsor visits or actually showing up for a real interview.” It’s the kind of advice Johnson now offers Gen Z workers trying to get ahead : focus on the small things.

Since retiring from full-time racing in 2020, Johnson has moved into team ownership and other business ventures, building an estimated net worth of over $150 million.

Along the way, he’s learned that showing up—and showing up polished—oftentimes matters more than raw talent.

Johnson learned that lesson about appearances when he was trying to join a golf club.

The head of the new-member committee was the father of a close friend, and he had some immediate feedback.

“’Son, you’re dressed so well, but damn, you need to shine those shoes,’” Johnson recalled him saying.

“‘That looks terrible.

Always shine your shoes.

People notice.’” He took the advice to heart—and still shines his shoes today.

And while the habit of dressing for the job you want, not that you have, may sound minor or even cliche, Johnson said it can help someone stand out in a crowded field.

“The small things matter and help you cut from the fray in the very congested space,” he said.