We've all read about folks who are successful for a short period of time. They win a gold medal, amass a wealth, or appear in a major motion picture... Then they vanish. Others, such as Marilyn Monroe and Howard Hughes, achieve exceptional success at the expense of their lives. I'm not inspired by these examples!
My interest and curiosity are with persons who appear to excel in a variety of areas and do so repeatedly throughout their lives. Paul Newman and Bill Cosby come to mind when it comes to entertainment. In terms of business, I'm thinking of Ben and Jerry's (the ice cream moguls) and a local hardware shop owner who is well-known for his donations to children's charities. Jimmy Carter has had a fascinating life as a naval officer, husband, businessman, politician, and now as an international mediator and philanthropist. We've all heard of those who go from one success to the next.
These are the individuals who motivate me! I've investigated them and discovered that they have the following characteristics:
1. They put in long hours! Yes, they also put in a lot of effort when they play! They wake up early, rarely grumble, and demand great things from others, but they also expect great things from themselves. Recognizing that hard work pays dividends is the first step toward consistent, high-level performance.
2. They have a strong desire to learn and are extremely curious. They are continuously studying, asking questions, and reading! However, there is one intriguing point: while most of them fared well in school, the difference is that they apply or utilise what they learn. It's not about memorising data that leads to repeated success; it's about being able to take information and develop, build, or use it in new and significant ways. People who are successful desire to know everything there is to know about everything!
3. They collaborate. They know a lot of people, and they know a lot of people of many types. Friends, neighbours, coworkers, and bartenders are all people they pay attention to. They don't have to be the life of the party; in fact, many of them are quiet and shy, but they appreciate people and relationships. Individuals who are successful have a rolodex full of people who appreciate their friendship and call them back.
4. They never stop working on themselves! While "overnight wonders" become conceited and vanish, truly successful people work on their personalities, leadership abilities, management skills, and every other aspect of their lives. When a relationship or business arrangement goes bad, they hope to learn from it and do better the next time. Successful people don't put up with defects; they work to eliminate them!
5. They are extremely inventive. "Why not?" they wonder aloud. Where others see issues or restrictions, they see new combinations, new possibilities, new opportunities, and new challenges. "I've got it!" they scream in the middle of the night. They seek advice, test things out, consult experts and laypeople, and are continuously on the lookout for a better, faster, and less expensive solution. People who are successful make things!
6. They are self-sufficient and responsible. People who are incredibly successful aren't concerned with who is to blame, and they don't waste time whining. They make decisions and move on with their lives. They are sometimes chastised for going too far — Jimmy Carter carried his own briefcase, which a President "shouldn't" do! People who are extremely successful take the initiative and accept the responsibilities that come with achievement.
7. They are usually at ease and maintain their sense of humour. Highly successful people maintain their equilibrium even in the face of adversity; they understand the importance of timing, humour, and patience. They rarely panic or make snap decisions. Even in a crisis, unusually successful people breathe easily, ask the correct questions, and make solid decisions.
8. People who are extremely successful live in the present moment. They understand that the only moment they have control over is "Now." They have a "talent" for gazing people in the eyes, paying attention to what they're saying, enjoying a meal or great wine, music, or playing with children. They never appear rushed, and they accomplish a lot! They make the most of every day. Successful people don't squander time; instead, they make the most of it.
9. To see the future, they "look over the horizon." They detect patterns, changes, and shifts that others miss, and they hear the nuances that others don't. A basketball player wearing Nikes is uninteresting, a nearby youngster wearing them is intriguing, and your own adolescent clamouring for them is an investment opportunity! People that are extremely successful live in the present while keeping one eye on the future!
10. Repeatedly successful people are quick to respond! They sell when an investment doesn't pay out. They make the call when they sense an opportunity. They take time to renew an essential relationship if it is cooling off. They are the first and fastest to respond when technology, a new competitor, or a change in the economic environment necessitates a change.
These characteristics combine to give consistently successful people a considerable advantage. They can respond to change wisely because they are insatiable learners. They have good advisors and a reserve of goodwill when things go wrong since their personal relationships are strong. Finally, none of these characteristics are inherited! It is possible to learn them! They are both free and practical skills. Begin right now!
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