It’s no secret that success takes hard work and business acumen. But what about the intangible factors that drive people to take that first bold leap of faith or keep trekking on when the odds are no longer in their favor? Experts say there are certain traits and habits that successful people possess – and that we can learn from.
1) They have a positive outlook.
Successful people see the glass as always half-full, no matter what happens in their lives. They’re energized by challenges and use setbacks as stepping stones to growth. They know that every failure they experience is just a part of the journey toward their big, hairy, audacious goals (BHAGs).
2) They are passionate about what they do.
Successful people are dedicated to what they do, whether that’s running a company or volunteering at their local food bank. They love the work they do and they inspire others to love it too. They also understand that the work they do has a greater purpose than just making money – it’s about making an impact and leaving a legacy.
3) They have a strong work ethic.
Taking risks is a necessary part of success, and the most successful people understand that taking calculated risks is the only way to get to where they want to be. This means they are willing to work long hours and put in the extra effort, even when it’s not necessarily easy.
They never give up.
Even when they are tempted to just quit, the most successful people get back up and keep going. They’re relentless in pursuing a worthy goal, and they’re not afraid to knock down any brick walls that stand in their way. They also understand that their failures are just a part of the process, and they learn from them to grow in strength.
4) They know how to prioritize their time.
Successful people make a list of all the things they value in life, and they schedule each activity into their day accordingly. For example, they may allocate a certain number of hours for work, family, exercise, and giving back to the community. They prioritize their time because they understand that if they spend it on something less important, they won’t have enough of it left to accomplish the things they really care about.
5) They are self-critical, but not judgmental.
Successful people realize that no one is perfect, and they’re not judgmental about themselves. Instead, they’re constantly looking for ways to improve themselves, whether that’s by learning a new skill or streamlining their work processes. They’re not afraid to admit when they’ve made a mistake and they don’t dwell on it for too long.
Ultimately, the most successful people are self-sufficient. They don’t rely on other people to get the job done, but they do value the contributions of their teammates. They’re able to recognize their own strengths and the strengths of others, which allows them to build productive relationships that benefit everyone. They also know that helping other succeed is the best way to achieve their own success.