There are characteristics that certain people have that allow success to break through in their lives. I originally wrote this article with a lot more traits that I see in successful people but I have narrowed the list down to it’s bare, beautiful, universal essence to give inspiration to every professional. These traits are things that we can all aspire to, to grow our own success.
#1 They have a deep meaning behind what they do. I love the music of Bob Marley. The reason his music reaches so many people is because it is not just music. He has a deep meaning behind what he sings. He has a belief that what he does can bring peace and understanding to people. He lives his music.
#2 They have a hobby outside their main purpose. To really generate innovation, people sometimes need to take themselves away from the struggle and have aim for something else too. Hobbies like painting, photography, writing, etc. can really keep a person from having an idea burnout.
#3 They know how to make things happen. Ideas are nothing without action. Successful people know how to take things from a good idea to a great innovation. If the ‘Steves’ who started Apple just kept playing around with their electronic toy in Wozniak’s garage instead of bringing it to the right people, we probably wouldn’t have the same Personal Computers we see today. (Yes, that includes all PC’s, not just Macs)
#4 They know they cannot do it alone. Every player has a wing man (or a team of them). They know they cannot make things happen all by themselves. Two heads are better than one, and three better than two, and so on.
#5 They learn from mistakes to better themselves. Every mistake is not a failure, but instead is a way to bring greater future success. My former Entrepreneurship teacher told me about his candle company that flopped. He explained that they diversified the line too early and messed up their shipping system. He knew, in detail, everything that had gone wrong and now carries those lessons in his current venture (a 75 Million-a-year company as of 2007).
#6 They take risk but have a game plan for success and failure. Risks are a big part of life. An Entrepreneur knows that better than anyone (besides mountain climbers). They understand that to make big things happen, there are big risks involved. They also understand that with preparation, they can enrich their success and soften the blow of failure as much as possible.
#7 They define success in more than dollars and cents. Do you really think Bill Gates gets up every morning with the motivation to make more money? If that were the case, why would he give away 54% of his income to charity? Truly successful people understand that success is not cast in gold. Money doesn’t make you feel fulfilled. What does is knowing you are making the world a better place.
#8 They see problems as bumps, not road blocks. Every venture has run across problems, obstacles that could end everything. What separates the failures from the successes is the perseverance to tackle problems head on and get past them; looking back at a little bump, not a huge accident.
#9 They write everything down. This is something I am trying to work on myself. Ideas are like virtual Ping-Pong in the head. They will inevitably slip past your paddle if you do not find a way to keep it bouncing back and forth and build momentum. Writing things down and keeping good notes is a great way to make sure that ball stays on screen. Here are the best tips on writing notes I have found yet.
#10 They see inspiration in every aspect of life. Inspiration doesn’t just come from brainstorming sessions. Some of the best ideas are inspired by seemingly unrelated things. Even taking trips to the mall or going to an art gallery can spark great innovative ideas that can make the world better. Newton is famous for his Eureka moment while in a garden when an apple hit him on the head.
#11 They view others as opportunity, not competition. So many people focus on the term “competition.” It is so over used though because competition is actually a very defined term. A friend and myself are both in the web design industry, yet we are not competition because our markets are different. People who share common interests, especially in business can help each other’s success if they can get past the facade of competition.
What do you see in successful people that you seek to have yourself?
Photo by junkmonkey
I find some of these hard to believe. Sure some points have merit but come on, nobody is perfect.