Successful People Have These Traits | 10 Keys To Success
Written by Michelle Ong | June 13, 2024 | Growth
Ever wondered what qualities make successful people succeed in life? Discover the top 10 traits that support them on their life path.
When you think of successful people, who comes to mind? Prominent figures like Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and Oprah Winfrey exemplify success through their innovation, leadership, and dedication. Naturally, you may then ask: what do these people have in common that contributed to their success?
Before we tackle that burning question, it’s essential to understand that success is a personal thing. What one person finds meaningful might not hold the same value for another. So, success can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s about having what they need and feeling content. They see success as being a valuable member of society, cultivating strong and loving relationships, and finding balance in life. Others might view success as having enormous wealth, a luxurious lifestyle, along with power and fame. Then there are those who value freedom and time to pursue their goals, passions and meaningful experiences over money.
Prioritizing our personal definition of success over societal norms and others’ expectations is crucial. This post isn’t about blindly copying successful individuals but about learning from their distinctive traits. By uncovering these habits and mindsets, we aim to understand the secrets behind their achievements and adapt what aligns with our goals and values. This approach fosters authentic growth and success on our terms. Learning from successful individuals can inspire improvements in our own lives. Let’s dive into these top 10 traits.
Self-Mastery
“You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself.”
Jim Rohn
Individuals who achieve success often possess a remarkable ability to understand themselves deeply and maintain self-control. They take responsibility for their actions and remain composed even in challenging situations. They excel in managing their thoughts and emotions, demonstrating high levels of self-awareness and inner connection. Instead of dwelling on negatives, they focus on finding constructive solutions and remain resilient in the face of stress.
For example, Oprah Winfrey displays self-mastery through her ability to rise above her challenging past and build an empire based on empathy and understanding. Similarly, Nelson Mandela’s capacity to remain composed and focused during his 27 years of imprisonment is a testament to his self-mastery, which later helped him lead South Africa towards reconciliation.
Self-mastery entails knowing where to direct one’s energy and letting go of unproductive thoughts and emotions, enabling them to make calm and rational decisions. They understand that taking criticism personally relinquishes power to others and recognize that criticisms often reflect the insecurities of the critic rather than valid critiques. By filtering out distractions and focusing on overarching goals, they maintain control over their reactions and actions.
Mastery of one’s thoughts and emotions involves neither suppression nor avoidance but rather the ability to remain unreactive and refrain from impulsive decision-making, facilitated by effective emotional processing techniques.
Courage
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
Charles Darwin
Successful individuals recognize that life is characterized by constant change, requiring adaptation to the unfamiliar and acceptance of discomfort. They embrace this reality, understanding that growth often lies beyond their comfort zone. Despite feelings of doubt or uncertainty, they muster courage and take decisive action, knowing that clarity emerges through experience and time.
Malala Yousafzai exemplifies courage by standing up for girls’ education in the face of life-threatening opposition. Her bravery and determination to fight for her beliefs, even after surviving an assassination attempt, demonstrate the profound courage needed to bring about change.
They understand that success is a decision. Impossible is for the unwilling. Calculated risks are seen as opportunities for growth, and setbacks are viewed as valuable lessons that contribute to personal development. By embracing discomfort and remaining resilient in the face of challenges, successful individuals navigate change with confidence and determination.
Discipline
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”
Jim Rohn
Driven, go-getters, they possess grit, persistence, and resilience. They’re clear about their life goals, motivated, focused, and determined to achieve them. Procrastination and distractions may occasionally win, but only temporarily. They consistently invest effort, fulfilling promises and commitments to themselves and others. They’re committed for the long haul, patient, and persevering.
“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work in hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.”
Alexander Graham Bell
Fully engaged in their pursuits, they overcome obstacles and keep pushing forward, maintaining unwavering focus on their vision and goals. Distractions don’t deter them; they focus on their own path. Discipline means choosing virtue over vice, opting for the hard path over the easy one, and remaining unfazed by obstacles. It’s about cultivating mental fortitude and setting an example that inspires others to excel.
Pelé, the legendary footballer who later became Brazilian Sports Minister, epitomizes discipline and determination. He consistently chose the hard path over the easy one, overcoming numerous obstacles with unwavering mental fortitude. His dedication has inspired generations of footballers to pursue excellence both on and off the field. Pelé’s career underscores the transformative power of discipline, demonstrating how steadfast focus and perseverance can lead to unparalleled success in sports and beyond.
Similarly, Serena Williams stands as another remarkable example in sports. Her relentless dedication to tennis has garnered numerous titles and accolades. Williams’ rigorous training regimen, coupled with her unparalleled mental fortitude and ability to remain focused on her goals, has solidified her reputation as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Her journey exemplifies the importance of discipline and unwavering commitment in achieving extraordinary success in sports.
If you are interested, you may want to check out my post on simple ways to develop self-discipline!
Self-Love
“How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.”
Rupi Kaur
Prioritizing unconditional self-love is key for success, fostering a positive and compassionate self-view. Trusting one’s instincts, judgment, and decisions is integral, having faith in the capacity to achieve goals. Recognizing that their happiness stems from within, they cultivate self-acceptance and confidence in their identity. Criticism from others does not shake their self-assurance or prompt self-doubt; instead, they use feedback constructively to guide their growth.
Oprah Winfrey exemplifies self-love. Despite facing numerous personal and professional challenges, she has always emphasized the importance of self-worth and inner strength. Her journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a media mogul and philanthropist underscores her belief in self-love and self-acceptance.
By nurturing self-love, they foster courage and self-confidence essential for success. Additionally, they prioritize self-care activities to maintain mental well-being and manage stress effectively. Balancing various aspects of life, they understand that neglecting any area can disrupt overall harmony and hinder progress.
Communicate
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”
Oprah Winfrey
Understanding the significance of effective communication is crucial for achieving goals. Recognizing the value of networking and building connections can significantly expedite progress. Knowing when to seek help and support is equally vital; attempting to tackle everything alone can impede success.
Oprah Winfrey is a prime example of someone who excels in communication. Her ability to connect with people on a deep level, understand their stories, and communicate with empathy has made her a successful media personality and influential leader. Her conversations often go beyond surface-level interactions, creating a genuine connection with her audience.
Successful individuals score high in empathy, which plays a central role in communication, allowing them to understand others’ feelings and perspectives. Empathy promotes creative problem-solving and better decision-making. By showing kindness and compassion, they build trust and rapport, essential for both personal and professional relationships.
Empathy also aids in negotiation and influencing others, as people are more receptive to those who understand and listen to them. Active listening, a key component of empathy, enhances interpersonal relationships, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are vital for success.
Check out the Pinterest pins below for more self-improvement ideas.
Creative
Successful individuals possess an explorer mindset, eager to find solutions and tackle problems independently. They’re not afraid of hard work and prefer hands-on involvement. Their adventurous spirit allows them to think creatively, connect the dots and see multiple perspectives. They’re resourceful and adept at problem-solving, often thinking outside the box. Flexibility is a key trait; they adapt to changing situations with ease. They are divergent thinkers who strive for innovative solutions, avoiding groupthink.
Steve Jobs exemplifies creativity in his approach to innovation and problem-solving. His ability to envision products that people didn’t even know they needed, and his relentless pursuit of excellence in design and functionality, revolutionized multiple industries. Jobs’ creativity was not just about coming up with new ideas but also about connecting different concepts in innovative ways, which led to the development of groundbreaking products like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. His approach to creativity and innovation serves as an inspiration for many, showcasing the power of thinking differently and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Another excellent example is Elon Musk, whose ventures such as Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company showcase his innovative approach to solving complex problems in various fields like electric vehicles, space exploration, neuroscience, and infrastructure. Musk is known for his bold vision, thinking outside the box, and pushing boundaries with new ideas and technologies. His ability to merge creativity with practical implementation has not only revolutionized industries but also inspired countless individuals to think innovatively and pursue ambitious goals.
Strategize
Effective planning and prioritization are key determinants of success. It involves gathering necessary information, skills, and knowledge before starting a task and devising simple yet efficient strategies for execution. The goal is to ensure both efficiency and effectiveness without overcomplicating things or overthinking.
While no plan is foolproof, successful individuals anticipate potential obstacles and develop troubleshooting strategies to stay mentally prepared. They remain flexible and adaptable, modifying their plans as needed to stay on track. Leveraging flow in their daily routines helps them achieve tasks effortlessly and efficiently.
Prioritization is crucial, allowing them to make time for what truly matters amidst busy schedules. They understand the importance of collaboration, building connections, and effective communication to streamline efforts and achieve goals faster. These elements are integral parts of effective strategizing.
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, is an exemplary strategist. Bezos has consistently demonstrated an ability to plan and prioritize effectively, enabling Amazon to become a global powerhouse. His strategic vision included diversifying Amazon’s offerings beyond books, leading to the company’s expansion into various sectors, including cloud computing with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Bezos’s focus on customer obsession, long-term thinking, and innovative problem-solving has been key to Amazon’s success. His ability to anticipate market trends, adapt to changes, and execute well-thought-out strategies has made Amazon one of the most successful companies in the world.
Walk The Talk
When we think of success, we often think of prominent leaders who have made a mark in their fields. In “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek, the book explores how great leaders build trust and cooperation within their organizations. They prioritize their team’s well-being, making them feel valued, safe, and inspired to work towards common goals. Inspired teams are more productive and innovative. True leaders take ownership and accountability, following through on their promises. Many talk a big game, but true leaders lead by example, getting their hands dirty and taking action. It’s not easy, but by facing fear and self-doubt head-on, they earn respect and attract success.
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, is a shining example of a leader who embodies this spirit. Throughout her tenure, Nooyi consistently demonstrated a commitment to her principles and values. She spearheaded initiatives aimed at making PepsiCo more sustainable and health-conscious, directly addressing criticisms of the company’s impact on public health. Nooyi didn’t just set lofty goals; she worked tirelessly to achieve them, involving herself deeply in every aspect of the company’s transformation. Her hands-on approach and unwavering dedication earned her immense respect within the organization and the broader business community, exemplifying the true spirit of leadership.
Lifelong Learning
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Engaging in lifelong learning is a key trait of successful individuals. They never stop learning and remain humble, willing to seek advice and actively listen. Rather than being paralyzed by fear, they ask themselves, “How can I get through this?” They welcome feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve. Constantly challenging themselves, they make the effort to find solutions to problems. They understand the importance of seeking help and are open to relearning when new information arises. Being adaptable and open-minded, they don’t cling stubbornly to old beliefs but remain flexible and willing to evolve.
Mahatma Gandhi exemplifies lifelong learning through his continuous pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and personal growth. Beyond formal education, Gandhi’s learning journey encompassed practical experiences, introspection, and interactions with diverse individuals. His philosophy of Satyagraha evolved as he navigated various challenges and incorporated new insights into his principles of nonviolent resistance. Gandhi’s commitment to self-improvement and spiritual development underscored his belief in the importance of continuous learning throughout one’s life. His ability to adapt his strategies and beliefs based on evolving circumstances reflects his resilience and openness to new ideas, making him a compelling example of a successful individual dedicated to both intellectual and moral growth.
Another prime example of someone with this mindset is Bill Gates. Despite his monumental success with Microsoft, Gates has always emphasized the importance of continuous learning. He is known for his voracious reading habits, devouring books on a wide range of subjects to expand his knowledge. Gates frequently seeks advice from experts and remains open to new ideas, whether they come from fellow entrepreneurs, scientists, or authors. His commitment to learning and adapting is evident in his work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he tackles complex global issues by continually educating himself and evolving his strategies. Gates exemplifies how a dedication to lifelong learning can drive sustained success and impact.
Gratitude
Finally, understanding the importance of gratitude is key. Successful people cherish what they have and appreciate their experiences, both good and bad. They know that true contentment comes from being grateful for what they have and the people they encounter in life. Gratitude fosters connection and imbues meaning into their actions and experiences.
Oprah Winfrey has consistently spoken about the power of gratitude throughout her career and how it has shaped her life and success. She often shares how keeping a gratitude journal has helped her maintain a positive outlook and overcome challenges. Winfrey’s teachings encourage others to focus on the blessings in their lives, no matter how small, to cultivate a sense of contentment and well-being. Her emphasis on gratitude demonstrates how acknowledging and appreciating the good in life can lead to personal fulfillment and success.
Check out the Pinterest pins below for more self-improvement ideas.
How Do You Define Success?
So, there you have it—these are the top 10 traits that made it to this list. What do you think? Are there any other habits or mindsets you believe should be included? Which ones do you already possess, and which ones would you consider adopting? Keep in mind that this list isn’t exhaustive and is based on my personal perspective of success. Everyone defines success differently, so take this list as a reference and tailor it to your own definition of success.
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