Describing success is almost as challenging as pursuing it. To determine if we have reached or can ever attain success, we must define what it is. The meaning is far from universal; it is unique to each person. Success is not necessarily what we obtain but what we are and become. Fortunately, recognizing and building success in our lives is easier as we observe and cultivate traits that successful people have in common. Starting with #1 below:
1. Taking Chances
The fear of failure paralyzes people into inaction. This fear is often more debilitating than failure itself. Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg cautions: “The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”
2. Owning Up to Life
When we blame others for our circumstances, we deprive ourselves of our inherent power to control our present and future. Taking ownership of our lives is prerequisite to any level of achievement. Renowned motivational speaker and author Les Brown asserts: “Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.”
3. Pursuing One’s Passion
Pleasure is a strong emotion that we can harness to achieve the life that we desire. When we work at something that we are passionate about, it is easier to exert our full effort toward it. Entrepreneur Mark Cuban advises: “Find something you love to do. If you don’t make money at it, at least you love going to work.”
4. Focusing on Specific Goals
We must zero in on definite, attainable targets. Nebulous or varied goals diffuse our attention and energy; concentrating on one area for progress helps us to muster all our effort in one direction. Basketball legend Michael Jordan urges: “Focus like a laser, not a flashlight.”
5. Stretching Oneself
Cultivating success requires breaking free of self-limiting and self-sabotaging beliefs and habits. We must face and move beyond our fears, doubt and lack of confidence to press toward our aspirations. Mogul Richard Branson suggests: “I think whatever you’re doing in life just push yourself to the limits.”
6. Constantly Striving to Improve
Successful people remain vigilant in seeking ways to better themselves. They understand that success is a journey, not a destination. Former publisher of Success magazine Darren Hardy cautioned: “Once-dominant empires have failed for this very reason. People get to a certain level of success and get too comfortable.”
7. Meeting the Needs of Others
Successful people have learned to take the focus off their needs and create solutions for others. They find joy in serving others with their expertise, and wealth is often a byproduct of their interactions. Former FLOTUS Michelle Obama muses: “Success isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
8. Investing in Others
Successful people enjoy motivating and empowering others. They find fulfillment in investing resources and mentoring to help more people realize their dreams. Singer and actress Carrie Underwood believes that “[s]uccessful people have a social responsibility to make the world a better place and not just take from it.”
9. Practicing Gratitude
Successful people understand the power of thankfulness. It helps us focus on the positive, increasing our capacity to receive and recognize abundance. Oprah Winfrey observes: “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
