We are measure success differently. So my measurements may be different than yours. One of my favorite things to do with people is observe what they are do “right”. It is easy to get caught up in what others do wrong, but the type of success I want involves finding the good in others. As I watch those people who inspire me, I’ve noticed they have some common traits. Traits that I myself want to do as well.
- They work hard! Yes, they play hard, too! They get up early, they rarely complain, they expect the best out of others and themselves. They SHOW UP!
- They are incredibly curious and eager to learn. They study, ask questions, and read! Some might say, they do these constantly. Maybe that is true, but I would like to think, they know when it is appropriate to ask the questions and read and know when they need to step back. Sometimes, smart people will say, Why I am not successful, I do all of these things? They may have made the grades in school. I know I did. The key is being able to take those smarts and apply to life and create what they want to create. You can study all day, every day, but if you never do anything with what you learn, then learning becomes another task to mark off.
- They seem to know a lot of people. Does this mean they are all extroverted? NO. It means they network and get to know different kinds of people. They listen when they are having conversations. They don’t have to be center of attention during every interaction. The successful people, I know, value the people in their lives and make time for them.
- They accept themselves where they are in the moment. However, they know they have things they need to work on, and they never quit improving. They work on all areas of their lives. When something goes awry, they learn from the mistakes and expect they will do better next time. Maya Angelou said “when you know better, you do better.” Successful people live by this philosophy.
- They go around asking, “Why not?” They see new combinations, new possibilities, new opportunities and challenges where others see problems or limitations.
- They are self-reliant and take responsibility. Incredibly successful people don’t worry about blame, and they don’t waste time complaining. They make decisions and move on. Sometimes, they are viewed as over the top. Just as they don’t place blame on failures; they accept success for what it.
- They live in the present moment. They know that “Now” is the only time they can control and even then, not everything is in their control. They have a “gift” for looking people in the eye, listening to what is being said, enjoying a meal or fine wine, music or playing with a child. They take full advantage of each day. You won’t find a successful person wasting time, they are using the time they have to its fullest potential.
- They “look over the horizon” to see the future. They see the full picture, so they observe trends, notice changes, see shifts, and hear the nuances that others miss. Successful people live in the present, with one eye on the future!
These traits work together giving successful people an advantage. They have invested in life, so if/when things go bad, they can respond wisely. They have strong relationships and good advisors, and generally have a reserve of goodwill for these times.
While these traits may come more naturally to some, they can be learned and implemented by anyone. I have had to learn to do several of these while others came naturally. These skills are free and can be used now. What are you waiting for?