Contrary to popular belief, successful people are not made overnight. Their success is often the result of dedication, hard work, and a powerful motivation to succeed. Most importantly, they practice habits that help them maximize their productivity and exceed their goals. Below is a look at ten habits and qualities shared by success-minded people.
1) They learn from their mistakes
Successful people are often battle-tested. Many will openly tell you that their road to success was paved with failure and disappointment. But they will also tell you that these failures played a key role in their future success. Rather than simply forgetting about a failed venture, they ask themselves the following questions:
- “Why did this failure occur?”
- “Is there anything I can do differently next time to prevent this failure?”
- “Who might be able to provide some expert guidance to me?”
- “What steps can I take to improve in this area?”
2) They take calculated risks
Despite experiencing some failures, successful people are usually open to taking calculated risks. They never allow the fear of failure prevent them from exploring unknown territory. However, they also ask probing questions before diving into a new opportunity headfirst. For example, they may consult with an industry expert or take their time carefully reviewing a proposed business plan before taking the plunge.
3) They are active listeners
Think about some of the most successful people you personally know. They are probably people you really enjoy talking to. This is probably because successful people tend to be active listeners. They seem to have a knack of making you feel important and involved in the conversation. Here are some ways you can practice active listening:
- Maintain eye contact with the person who is talking
- Refrain from interrupting people when they speak
- Ask questions about the topic a person is discussing
- Paraphrase what the person is saying to show you understand
4) They have a trusted mentor
Even the world’s most successful people need a trusted confidant or mentor to provide guidance from time to time. They realize their limitations and are not afraid to turn to an experienced, motivating mentor who can provide valuable insight and encouragement to navigate through trying situations. Whether the mentor is a relative, a former professor, or a local leader, mentors often play a key role in a leader’s continued growth.
5) They are dignified
Successful people are dignified, which helps them to prosper even when challenging situations arise. Whether they are with loved ones, at work, or in a foreign country, they maintain their poise when faced with challenges and volatile situations. They recognize the important role that dignity plays in life and are committed to honoring the dignity of colleagues and family members.
6) They are always eager to learn
The world’s most accomplished people know that learning does not occur in a vacuum. They view learning as a lifelong process and are eager to learn new material every day. Whether it is a new cutting-edge technique that boosts their efficiency or a new way of managing stress, success-minded people make it their mission to absorb and use new information to help them grow. You may find them actively participating in the following events to keep a watchful eye on business trends and competitor activities:
- Continued education seminars within their fields
- Professional development activities
- Industry trade shows and conferences
7) They are honest
“I can quickly tell who will be successful as an entrepreneur just in an initial conversation. If the person I am speaking to is self-revealing…then I know I’ve got a winner. These are the folks who don’t lie to you or themselves, who can make and keep commitments, who take responsibility. To achieve success, you must be willing to be honest with yourself.”
– Dr. Marc Cooper, President at MBC Inc.
Author and Psychologist Sherrie Campbell states that, “Honesty is the foundation exceptional leadership rests upon.” Highly accomplished people are often known for being brutally honest, even when being truthful is not easy. In addition to being honest with colleagues and loved ones, successful people are able to be honest with themselves. They are introspective and recognize their shortcomings.
8) They are creative
Succeeding in today’s competitive business landscape requires creativity and innovation. Being able to “think outside the box” is essential, especially for an aspiring entrepreneur. Whether it is a novel approach to solving an age-old problem or a state-of-the-art product crafted of recycled materials, it is often a creative urge that is behind a successful person or venture. Growth-minded people always seem to be full of great ideas and are not afraid to turn their creative vision into a reality.
9) They practice healthy eating and sleeping habits
It is no accident that successful people tend to be more physically fit than the average person. They usually make a concerted effort to eat well and exercise, and strive to sleep for 7-8 hours each night. In addition to eating and exercising well, they make time for family and friends and receive regular health checkups to prevent medical setbacks.
10) They never take their success for granted
Highly successful people realize that life is full of changes that could impact their success. Our economy, current buying trends, and their own reputation can change quickly. There are simply some things that are beyond their control and attempting to change those things is a waste of valuable energy that can harm their successful mindset. Rather than focusing on things beyond their control, successful men and women zero in on improving the things they can control. At the same time, they refrain from being boastful and never take their success for granted.
The Bottom Line
Success is not built overnight. A person becomes successful by embodying the qualities and habits outlined above. The good news is that virtually anyone can put themselves on the path to prosperity by developing these successful habits. From practicing active listening techniques to seeking a trusted mentor, you can begin priming yourself for success today!
