Whether Navy SEALs, Olympic athletes or entrepreneurs, highly successful people are known for their drive, discipline and work ethic. What many don’t realize is that success is not a result of innate traits or genetics, but rather a series of choices and habits that can be learned and nurtured. This article will outline five things successful people have in common: Grit, Passion + Goals, Lifelong Learning, Confidence and Communication Skills, and Self-Motivation.
1. They set goals. They are clear on what they want to achieve and create a roadmap for reaching those goals by breaking down larger objectives into manageable, actionable steps. They are also committed to continuous improvement, seeking out feedback and looking for ways they can improve and excel in their craft.
2. They are resilient. They understand that progress often requires discomfort, and they embrace it. They use a variety of tools and strategies, such as visualization techniques, to prepare for the challenges they will face. In addition, they are able to shift gears and find solutions when confronted with obstacles, recognizing that setbacks are temporary and not insurmountable.
3. They take calculated risks. This can be anything from trying out new activities, like rock climbing or ice diving, to taking on more challenging jobs or projects. These individuals aren’t afraid to do what others won’t, and they know that it is through pushing the boundaries and exploring uncharted territory that they will grow.
4. They help other people become successful. This is the epitome of the golden rule: treat others as you wish to be treated. These people are able to see the value in helping their friends, colleagues and customers succeed and know that it ultimately helps them reach their own goals. They are able to put themselves in other people’s shoes and recognize that what they do for others can have a positive ripple effect.
5. They do 10% more than is expected of them. Most people are happy to meet the bare minimum requirements of their job, but successful people strive to do more. They consistently go above and beyond what is asked of them, which sets them apart from the rest of the competition.
There is no magic formula that can be applied to everyone to guarantee success, but the most successful people share these traits. What’s more, they work hard to cultivate them in themselves every day so that they are ready for the opportunity when it comes knocking on their door. It may seem like they are lucky, but they’ve been positioning themselves for success all of their lives, so it’s really no surprise that they are able to make the most of it when it arrives.