We have all read about people who are successful briefly. They win a gold medal, make a fortune, or star in one great movie?and then disappear. Or, there are those like Marilyn Monroe and Howard Hughes who achieve extraordinary success, at the cost of their own lives. These examples do not inspire me!
My focus and fascination is with people who seem to do well in many areas of life, and do it over and over through a lifetime. In entertainment, I think of Paul Newman and Bill Cosby. In business, I think of Ben and Jerry (the ice cream moguls), and a local hardware store owner who is famous for the money he's give to children's charities. As a Naval Officer, husband, businessman, politician and now as a mediator and philanthropist on the world stage, Jimmy Carter has had a remarkable life. We all know examples of people who go from one success to another.
These are the people who inspire me! I've studied them, and I've noticed they have the following traits in common:
1. They work hard! Yes, they play hard, too! They get up early, they rarely complain, they expect performance from others, but they expect extraordinary performance from themselves. Repeated, high-level success starts with a recognition that hard work pays off.
2. They are incredibly curious and eager to learn. They study, ask questions and read ? constantly! An interesting point, however: While most of them did well in school, the difference is that they apply or take advantage of what they learn. Repeated success is not about memorizing facts, it's about being able to take information and create, build, or apply it in new and important ways. Successful people want to learn everything about everything!
3. They network. They know lots of people, and they know lots of different kinds of people. They listen to friends, neighbors, co-workers and bartenders. They don't have to be "the life of the party", in fact many are quiet, even shy, but they value people and they value relationships. Successful people have a rolodex full of people who value their friendship and return their calls.
4. They work on themselves and never quit! While the "over-night wonders" become arrogant and quickly disappear, really successful people work on their personality, their leadership skills, management skills, and every other detail of life. When a relationship or business deal goes sour, they assume they can learn from it and they expect to do better next time. Successful people don't tolerate flaws; they fix them!
5. They are extraordinarily creative. They go around asking, "Why not?" They see new combinations, new possibilities, new opportunities and challenges where others see problems or limitations. They wake up in the middle of the night yelling, "I've got it!" They ask for advice, try things out, consult experts and amateurs, always looking for a better, faster, cheaper solution. Successful people create stuff!
6. 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 criticized for taking this to extremes ? Jimmy Carter carried his own briefcase and a President "shouldn't" do that! Extremely successful people take the initiative and accept the responsibilities of success.
7. They are usually relaxed and keep their perspective. Even in times of stress or turmoil, highly successful people keep their balance, they know the value of timing, humor, and patience. They rarely panic or make decisions on impulse. Unusually successful people breath easily, ask the right questions, and make sound decisions, even in a crisis.
8. Extremely successful people live in the present moment. They know that "Now" is the only time they can 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 never seem rushed, and they get a lot done! They take full advantage of each day. Successful people don't waste time, they use it!
9. They "look over the horizon" to see the future. They observe trends, notice changes, see shifts, and hear the nuances that others miss. A basketball player wearing Nikes is trivial, the neighbor kid wearing them is interesting, your own teenager demanding them is an investment opportunity! Extremely successful people live in the present, with one eye on the future!
10. Repeatedly successful people respond instantly! When an investment isn't working out, they sell. When they see an opportunity, they make the call. If an important relationship is cooling down, they take time to renew it. When technology or a new competitor or a change in the economic situation requires an adjustment, they are the first and quickest to respond.
These traits work together in combination, giving repeatedly successful people a huge advantage. Because they are insatiable learners, they can respond wisely to change. Because their personal relationships are strong, they have good advisors, and a reserve of goodwill when things go bad. And finally, none of these traits are genetic! They can be learned! They are free and they are skills you can use. Start now!
? Copyright 2003 by Philip E. Humbert. All Rights Reserved. This article may be copied and used in your own newsletter or on your website as long as you include the following information: "Written by Dr. Philip E. Humbert, writer, speaker and success coach. Dr. Humbert has over 300 free articles, tools and resources for your success, including a great newsletter! It's all on his website at: http://www.philiphumbert.com
best cleaning company Highland Park ..Jim Rohn, the success guru and mentor, said, "Failure is... Read More
Success begins with a personal dream that is bigger than... Read More
You have been preparing for months. You are in position... Read More
For each of us, how successful we feel will depend... Read More
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in... Read More
Many different daily tasks require a strategic process to be... Read More
A young girl opens a birthday card from her grand... Read More
Does the thought of failure send a cold shiver down... Read More
(Excerpted from the 1999 Weekend Seminar audio/CD series)Parents, leaders, employers,... Read More
I am going to tell you something you already know... Read More
Many people, it seems, have a fear of money. Does... Read More
The most important quality you can ever develop is having... Read More
Greatness is all around us. From Oprah to Bill Gates... Read More
Anytime you are making ground and moving toward success, there... Read More
Overnight success seems to be happening to a lot of... Read More
Remove these words from your vocabulary!The words "If only ?"... Read More
Adults, with eyes to see, can learn so much about... Read More
When you analyze the traits of successful people, you will... Read More
Did you know you can literally program your mind so... Read More
Dare to Dream~It is said that every person has at... Read More
Are you ready to finally realize your dream? I'm talking... Read More
Why do you need to know your focus when joining... Read More
Sometimes success is found through the things that you don't... Read More
Please repeat these four words out loud: "Maximum Impact....Minimal Touch"... Read More
Fighter pilots have an awesome responsibility. It takes a unique... Read More
high-end home cleaning Winnetka ..Exercising is not one of my favorite pastimes but I... Read More
It's simple and powerful.The philosophy of successful people is often... Read More
Here are a few suggestions that I try to put... Read More
Want to make success a habit in your life? If... Read More
Are you successful? What does that word mean to you?... Read More
Success is the most desired ambition of the human beings.... Read More
I was at a dinner party the other night when... Read More
If you have a choice each day in the tasks... Read More
The only thing in life we have direct control over... Read More
A More Effective WayI own a stack of self improvement... Read More
An acquaintance of mine once lamented that she was utterly... Read More
The best and fastest way to learn how to make... Read More
I spoke to a group of salespeople in Kansas City... Read More
Imagine that right now, right here, today? there is within... Read More
Who wants to carry on being a failure?Failure. Not a... Read More
Many people, it seems, have a fear of money. Does... Read More
Most of us fear change, because - as we've all... Read More
The ability to make good decisions is an essential step... Read More
Sugar Ray Leonard and Sylvester Stallone have recently hosted a... Read More
Have you ever met people who exude charm and charisma?... Read More
Don't expect results over night - what??If you were to... Read More
Any person who goes through life without experiencing failure is... Read More
How does an online marketer define success ? There are... Read More
Noted author and self-worth teacher Eric Butterworth* says, "Poverty is... Read More
Reggie Yates, a pop song presenter, was singing on 7th... Read More
Success |