Regardless of the definition you give success – personal wealth and power, happiness and fulfillment, or something else entirely – successful people seem to have a few things in common. They set goals, work hard and don’t let failure get them down. They also have a different perspective on success, placing more emphasis on the journey than the destination. They’re also willing to take risks and think outside the box. And they don’t listen to the naysayers, believing that the more you tell yourself something can’t be done, the more determined you become to do it.
They’re highly goal oriented, setting specific and challenging goals for themselves that they work toward through structured routines and daily habits. They also have a strong sense of accountability, holding themselves responsible for their own success and avoiding unhealthy comparisons with others.
Successful people are extremely resilient, displaying extraordinary mental toughness and the ability to push past limits in even the most difficult circumstances. Navy SEALs, Olympians and entrepreneurs all have this quality that allows them to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward in their pursuit of their goals despite setbacks.
When they fail, they don’t beat themselves up – instead, they learn from their mistakes and use them as fuel for future successes. They believe that no one wins every time, and that a willingness to try new approaches and take risks is key to reaching their goals.
They aren’t averse to taking risks, but they weigh those risks against their potential for success before putting them into action. They’re also aware of the importance of a team, and they build support networks to help them achieve their goals.
A strong work ethic is a major pillar of success for all types of people, but the most successful individuals are masters at maximizing their productivity through discipline and a focus on results. They have daily routines and rituals that begin with mindset preparation and fuel the discipline needed for extreme focus, time management and relentless prioritization.
Having a clear vision and purpose in life is incredibly important for anyone looking to be successful, but it’s especially important for those who want to be their most authentic self. They don’t hold back, and they’re able to convey their passions through their words, actions and even body language.
Successful people know that they must take care of themselves in order to perform at their best, which is why many of them make healthy eating and exercise a priority. They don’t just go to the gym and drink protein shakes; they plan ahead by scheduling their workouts the night before or using apps like MyFitnessPal, ClassPass and Apple Fitness+ to discover local workout classes and fitness coaches. They’re also savvy about planning meals that nourish their bodies with the nutrients they need to perform at their peak. And they don’t skip out on sleep – getting plenty of rest each night helps them wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.