The Four Secret Characteristics of Successful People
Why do some people succeed and others fail? Are there genetic differences
between those who fail and those who succeed? Is success a result of luck
or traits that are learned and developed?
These are just some of the questions we continually ask ourselves as we seek
our own success. Does the grass eternally look greener on the other side of
the fence? Well, here are the four secret characteristics of all successful
people.
1. Vision
All successful people have vision. They see what they want. They have a
picture in their mind’s eye of what life or business will be like when they
achieve what it is they are seeking. This vision provides energy and direction
that will impact your daily thoughts and actions. And, since your daily
actions determine where you end up tomorrow, it is critical that you have a
vivid vision to strive for.
But a strong vision will do more than inspire and drive your actions. If your
vision is powerful enough it will draw others in. If the umbrella of your
vision is wide enough, other people will want to be a part of what it is that
you are seeking.
Apple computer has legions of loyal customers that advocate for them and help
drive their brand. Causes are formed that people are drawn to because they
want to be a part of those historical changes and their impact on society.
What is your vision? Do you have a vision of how you want your life to be in
one, three, or ten years? What about your business? Do you have a vision of
how your business will look in one, three, or ten years? If not, get to work
creating that vision. Spread the word, and others will want to be a part of
what you are doing as well.
2. Charisma
Do you attract or repel people? That may be a rough question, but the truth is
that some people naturally attract others. These “other” people will be the
solution to the problems and challenges that you will naturally face as you
work toward achieving your vision.
I always felt that the key to the lock of my next challenge was on someone
else’s key ring. It is so important to build relationships, to have friends in
and out of business, and to have others that want to see you succeed as much as
you want to succeed.
One great way to build these relationships and help others at the same time is
participating in a Master Mind Group. A Master Mind Group is a formal group of
five to seven people that meet on a regular basis to share experiences and help
to solve each other’s challenges.
Being a part of professional associations is a great way to meet others that
face your same issues. Building relationships within an association will be a
great asset for you.
3. Quality Work
If a job is worth doing it is worth doing well. It’s that simple. Do great
work. Give great service. Be ultra reliable. Anyone can just show up. You
must stand out in your level of performance. Don’t settle for anything less
than your best. Don’t make or accept excuses for a level of performance that
doesn’t meet the high standard set by your vision.
Have others you trust give you feedback on your performance. Then, make the
necessary adjustments so that you are always improving and always exceeding the
expectations of your clients, friends, and relatives.
4. Time
Be patient. We tend to look at others and wonder, “How did they become an
overnight success?” The truth is, they didn’t. Most overnight successes were
10 years in the making. Some make it sooner. Others take longer.
It takes time to sow the seeds. It takes time to gain the knowledge. It takes
time to build the relationships. It takes time to have enough opportunities
come your way that you can leverage into the results you desire.
Greed kills patience. Don’t fall prey to it. Don’t settle for less then you
can achieve, but at the same time have the patience to consistently do the
right thing and make progress on your vision. Continually learn and expand
your tool kit. Know that in the long run you will achieve your vision and
more!
Adopt these four success characteristics, and you will be on the road to
Building A Better Biz!
