andrewjdumont.com

What Makes A Successful Person?

Posted on 02. Dec, 2009 by Andrew Dumont in Random Musings, Startup Life

While sitting here, I began to think about why some people fail and others succeed. What was the turning point for the bum on the street or the high paid exec? Is it a matter of personality traits, intelligence, childhood upbringing, monetary backing or something completely different? Look around, at the people you believe are successful, what has gotten them to that point? Certain people possess certain traits, and I believe the successful possess a specific set of traits.

The formula for success is simple, and can be enjoyed by anyone. This post is intended to explore those traits that drive the successful and to understand how to incorporate them into your own life. After the jump, I’ve boiled it down to 4 generic traits that work to set apart the unsuccessful from the successful.

1) Work Ethic: The successful work their asses off, in everything they do. There is no such thing as easy money or simple success, it takes some serious time, energy and commitment to reach any goal. The successful lay out those goals and continue to work until the goals are accomplished. As someone who is looking to be successful, you’ve got to realize this. It’s not going to come easy, but anything you want can be achieved with a solid work ethic.

2) Ability to Listen: The successful realize that they don’t know it all. They are always willing to learn and advance their knowledge. The ability to listen is something that many people take for granted and tend to forget, especially when a little piece of success has been tasted. In each industry there are experts, that have committed much of their life to learning the ins and outs of their respective industry. The successful use these experts to their advantage, by “picking their brain” whenever possible. Remember to stay humble and continue to keep an open mind. Some of the best information I’ve ever received has been from others.

3) Recognition: The successful are constantly evaluating their current position. The successful never become complacent, they understand that the people who surround them, the places they live and the activities they take part in directly affect the number of successful opportunities that present themselves. Every single person that you meet has connections to hundreds, even thousands of other people. You hear it all the time, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” I couldn’t agree more. You’re only as good as your network of people that surrounds you. Realize this and continue to push your level of comfort – you’ll be surprised at the number of opportunities that present themselves.

4) Mindset: The successful refuse to take no for an answer. They never allow anyone to knock them off course. The world is full of people that don’t want you to succeed. The mindset of a successful person allows them to take this negative energy and use it as fuel. The successful are strong minded and confident. Have faith in your beliefs and don’t ever let anyone tell you that something can’t be done – no is never an answer.

Conclusion: Anyone can be successful. From the kid who grew up in the slums to the golden child that was given every opportunity. Success is built, not gifted. Whatever it may be that is considered successful in your eyes is there for the taking – you just have to go take it.