Ten Secrets of Highly Successful People

“Often the difference between a successful person and a failure is not one has better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on one’s ideas, to take a calculated risk – and to act.” ~ Andre Malraux

It has often been said that successful people are not different from everyone else, they just do things differently. According to Anthony Robbins,

“If you want to be successful, find someone who has achieved the results you want and copy what they do and you’ll achieve the same results.”

Here is a list of the top 10 secrets or behaviors that have been found to be characteristic of successful people:

1. Successful people always look at each experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. It is their positive attitude to both ups and downs that defines them.
2. Successful people translate their dreams into measurable goals, both short-term and long-term. This gives direction to all their actions.
3. They have a vision and a mission statement that motivates all their actions. A written, personal mission statement has been found to be extremely useful in achieving one’s dreams.
4. Successful people do not jump on to the latest bandwagon. They have the courage to think and do things differently. Creativity and innovation set them apart from the masses.
5. Successful people are able to see opportunities where others do not and always remain solution oriented.
6. They are detail oriented and constantly look for more and more information on their field of interest. This also allows them to weigh pros and cons of taking calculated risks effectively.
7. They are driven by a burning desire or passion. They are proactive and create their own opportunities rather than waiting for opportunities to reach them.
8. Successful people can be recognized by their self control and discipline.
9. Persistence is a key trait of all successful people. They do not give up even in the face of obstacles and failures. Successful people always complete what they take on.
10. Successful people are good communicators. This allows them to communicate their vision to their colleagues and associates and to communicate their ideas to the world at large.

The fact is that all these characteristics can be inculcated through a disciplined approach. The road to success may not be easy but it is possible for anyone to traverse it.

To sum it up in the words of Will Rogers,

“If you want to be successful, it’s just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing.”