It just can't be. Over the last 20 years I have met numerous rich and famous people and believe me you are probably 10 times smarter than them !
Most of them have developed the traits by accident, they have learnt them from their parents, or have learnt them from other people. For some, being successful just comes naturally, they don't know how, it just happens, a bit like a talented singer or athlete.
For a small percentage of people this works well, but the ones who really perform well are those who have recognised their talents and work on them to put them to even better use.
Even a top athlete has to sometimes adjust his or her behaviour, like the pole vaulter who, every few times knocks the bar off, gets really angry with himself and starts to stomp around. He has to learn to put it behind him, become emotionally detached from what has happened and try to make changes so it doesn't happen again. Athletes take part in mental rehearsal where they see themselves successfully completing their sport.
Have you noticed how astronauts train and rehearse again and again, underwater, so that when they get into space (where often there are no second chances) performing the actual work becomes second nature because they have practised again and again.
Well, for you and I it's no different, we can learn the same skills that successful people use, in some ways learning from scratch is better because you can identify what steps you are taking when you attempt something, and when you are successful - do you know what to do ? Repeat the same steps again !
If you want to be the best in something, there's no point in re-inventing the wheel and trying loads of new things, find someone who is already doing what you want to do and COPY WHAT THEY DO. Find yourself a mentor, it could be someone down the street, or a famous person, read biographies and autobiographies, speak to or write to these people.
It is very rare that someone has "overnight success" Most people who are successful are already working very hard and are caught in the act of being successful. Some are in the right place at the right time, but that's usually because they are hanging around in the right places with the right people. It's the difference between the person who hopes he'll meet the big boss in the lift and the other who finds out when the boss will be there and plans to 'accidentally' bump into him. They have also usually paid the price in some way.
If you are not happy with your current situation, you must change something now, your fitness, the number of hours spent in front of the tv, the people you associate with, the books you read.
If you change nothing guess where you'll in a year's time ?
Same place.
In a nutshell, these seem to be some of the traits of successful people
They have a definite idea of what it is they want
They are only interested in things that help them achieve their goals
They have the ability to totally focus on one thing at a time
They have total persistence, they do 'whatever it takes'
They are prepared to quickly make changes and adjustments
They are prepared to fail again and again, they just get up, dust themselves down and carry on
They can solve problems with emotional detachment, and not dwell on them
They can hire 'experts' to help them
The first thing you need to do is to sit down and write down what it is you want, then work out what price you have to pay to get it. It may well be that when you see the sacrifices you have to make that your current life is not too bad after all, that means you are already successful !!
Some people make living their best life and creating success look so easy, don't they? And yet, many successful people will tell you it's not actually easy for them, they just rely on their strengths to pull them forward and over the rough spots.
Below are 15 characteristics of the happiest, most successful people I know and have had the privilege of knowing. Use this list as a guide, not an end all and be all. I doubt any one person is strong in all of these areas, but some come close.
1. Willing
Successful people are willing to dig in, do the work and learn new things. They're simply willing to do whatever it takes to create the life they want.
2. Open
Successful people are open to new ideas. They don't close themselves off from information that might help them.
3. Courageous
Often, successful people are risk-takers, but more importantly they're courageous. They tap into the courage that lives deep in them and use it to break ground, try new things and put themselves out in front.
4. Decisive
There's an old adage that says be quick to make a decision and slow to change it. Successful people do just that. They don't vacillate or sit on the fence. They decide and move forward. Indecisiveness will kill momentum.
5. Love Learning
Have you ever seen a successful person's personal library? It's usually packed full! Successful people are willing to invest in themselves, either through reading, attending seminars or workshops. They know they don't have all the answers so they seek people that have the answers they're looking for.
6. Committed
Commitment provides the fuel ? the energy ? to keep moving forward. Successful people know what they care about and have committed themselves, on a deep level, to getting it.
7. Persistent
No such thing as ?giving up? in a successful person's mind. Just like the Energizer Bunny, they keep going and going. As they say, success is 98% showing up, 2% talent.
8. Adaptable/Flexible
Simply said, successful people go with the flow. Ride the wave. Rigidity is the kiss of death in creating anything you want. Successful people have the ability to switch course as needed. This allows them to stay present to world around them, being more aware of opportunities as they arise.
9. Creative
We all have an innate sense to create in our lives. Successful people have learned to tap into their creative spark and do so in a way that enriches their lives and the world around them.
10. Balanced
The happiest and most successful people usually lead well-balanced lives. They take time for their families and fun times. They celebrate the whole of their lives, not just parts of it.
11. Spiritual
Often, successful people have a deep commitment to their spiritual side. They understand their life is so much more and the source of their power comes from a source deep within. They allow their spirits to guide them.
12. Purposeful
Living a meaningful life starts with a sense of purpose. Successful and happy people have usually spent time considering their unique purpose in life and have taken steps to fulfill that purpose.
13. Fun-loving
Living your best life doesn't mean work, work, work! Taking time out for fun times and relaxation are important elements in creating a life that works well and feels great. Have you heard where CEO's on the coast in California have started holding board meetings? That's board like in surfboard! They meet early in the morning for some sun, sand and surf. They say it does wonders to boost creativity and gives them a fun atmosphere in which to connect with new people. Networking at its very best!
14. Possess Clarity
To create success you need to be able to leverage your strengths. Successful people know who they are, what they want and how they're going to get it. They've learned to leverage their strengths and passions.
15. Patient
Success takes time to build. Successful people, who are also happy, have learned to allow the things they want to arrive in there own perfect timing. They honor the natural flow of life and seldom push to get what they want.
Both Nick James & Cari Vollmer are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Nick James has sinced written about articles on various topics from Internet Marketing, Martial Arts and Writing. Nick James is a UK based direct marketer and product developer. During the last 5 years Nick has sold in excess of ?1.6 Million Pounds worth of products and sevices online. Subscribe to his Free Tip Of The Week email at:. Nick James's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.
Cari Vollmer has sinced written about articles on various topics from Information Technology, Family Concerns and Copywriting. Cari Vollmer, personal growth expert, is the founder of LifeOnTrack.com and InspireYourDay.com. For practical life strategies and success tips, sign up for LifeOnTrack.com's FREE e-zine, LivingOnTrack, at. Cari Vollmer's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.