The definition of success is subjective. Some people view it as personal wealth and power, while others see it as a sense of happiness and fulfillment. Regardless of how you choose to measure success, there are certain traits that consistently set successful people apart from the rest. Navy SEALs, Olympic gold medalists, astronauts, top physicians, and successful entrepreneurs all have something in common: a relentless pursuit of goals and a drive to succeed.
Whether it’s a physical bill or an e-mail, if a task is going to take less than five or ten minutes, highly successful people try to “touch it once.” They will open the letter or read the e-mail, and then either address it immediately or place it in a folder to deal with later. This habit reduces stress and saves time.
Successful people don’t waste time worrying about what other people are doing. They also don’t let their own fears and insecurities hold them back. They are confident in their own abilities, and they aren’t afraid to push themselves out of their comfort zones to get the results they want.
If they fail, they move on. They don’t let their failures hold them back and instead use the lesson they learned to improve in the future. They also know that success doesn’t happen overnight, so they aren’t afraid to work hard day in and day out.
They are a team player. Despite the individual nature of their jobs, Navy SEALs work together as a team, Olympians train with coaches and teammates, and top physicians and entrepreneurs build strong networks with other professionals in their industries. They aren’t afraid to ask for help or to surround themselves with people who will inspire and challenge them.
In addition to working as a team, highly successful people are also masters of teamwork with themselves. They practice mental rehearsal and visualization techniques as part of their daily routines to prepare for challenges, focus their minds, and maintain a positive mindset. They are also committed to continuous improvement and take feedback from others on how they can improve their skills and performance.
Highly successful people understand that they make their own luck. They don’t expect to be lucky; they will do at least one thing every day to put themselves in a position where luck can find them. They will take advantage of opportunities when they come up, and they will be proactive about looking for new ways to grow their business.
They are life-long learners. Whether it’s taking classes at their local college or reading books on the latest advancements in their industry, they are dedicated to expanding their knowledge. They know that knowledge is power, and they aren’t afraid to step outside their comfort zones in order to gain new experiences. The more they learn, the more powerful they are. As a result, they are unstoppable in their quest for success.