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Top 10 Traits of Highly Successful People

Updated: Oct 3, 2023

Have you ever wondered what makes highly successful people so successful? What do they have that others don't?

The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, there are certain traits that seem to be common among highly successful people.

Top 10 Traits of Highly Successful People - Skills For Life Academy Blog - Life and Business Coach

Highly successful people inspire us all. They achieve great things and seem to have it all figured out.

These are the people who inspire me! I’ve studied them, and I’ve noticed they have the following traits in common:


1. They work hard!

Yes, they play hard, too! They get up early, they rarely complain, and they expect performance from others, but they expect extraordinary performance from themselves. Repeated, high-level success starts with a recognition that hard work pays off.


2. They are incredibly curious and eager to learn.

They study, ask questions and read – constantly! An interesting point, however: While most of them did well in school, the difference is that they apply or take advantage of what they learn. Repeated success is not about memorizing facts, it’s about being able to take information and create, build, or apply it in new and important ways. Successful people want to learn everything about everything!


3. They network.

They know lots of people, and they know lots of different kinds of people. They listen to friends, neighbours, co-workers, and bartenders. They don’t have to be "the life of the party", in fact, many are quiet, even shy, but they value people and they value relationships. Successful people have a Rolodex full of people who value their friendship and return their calls.


4. They work on themselves and never quit!

While the "overnight wonders" become arrogant and quickly disappear, really successful people work on their personalities, leadership, skills, management skills, and every other detail of life. When a relationship or business deal goes sour, they assume they can learn from it and they expect to do better next time. Successful people don’t tolerate flaws; they fix them!


5. They are extraordinarily creative.

They go around asking, "Why not?" They see new combinations, new possibilities, new opportunities, and challenges where others see problems or limitations. They wake up in the middle of the night yelling, "I’ve got it!" They ask for advice, try things out, consult experts and amateurs, and always look for a better, faster, cheaper solution. Successful people create stuff!


6. They are self-reliant and take responsibility.

Incredibly successful people don’t worry about blame, and they don’t waste time complaining. They make decisions and move on. Sometimes they are criticized for taking this to extremes – Jimmy Carter carried his own briefcase and a President "shouldn’t" do that! Extremely successful people take the initiative and accept the responsibilities of success.


7. They are usually relaxed and keep their perspective.

Even in times of stress or turmoil, highly successful people keep their balance, they know the value of timing, humour, and patience. They rarely panic or make decisions on impulse. Unusually successful people breathe easily, ask the right questions, and make sound decisions, even in a crisis.


8. Extremely successful people live in the present moment.

They know that "Now" is the only time they can control. They possess the ability to engage deeply: maintaining eye contact, attentive listening, relishing food, and music, and interacting with children. They never seem rushed, and they get a lot done! They take full advantage of each day. Successful people don’t waste time, they use it!


9. They "look over the horizon" to see the future.

They observe trends, notice changes, see shifts, and hear the nuances that others miss. A basketball player wearing Nikes is trivial, the neighbour kid wearing them is interesting, and your own teenager demanding them is an investment opportunity! Extremely successful people live in the present, with one eye on the future!


10. Repeatedly successful people respond instantly!

When an investment isn’t working out, they sell. When they see an opportunity, they make the call. If an important relationship is cooling down, they take time to renew it. They promptly adapt to technological advancements, emerging competitors, and economic shifts, demonstrating agility and swift responsiveness.


These traits of highly successful people work together in combination, giving them a huge advantage.

Because they are insatiable learners, they can respond wisely to change. Because their personal relationships are strong, they have good advisors, and a reserve of goodwill when things go bad. And finally, none of these traits are genetic! They can be learned! They are free and they are skills you can use. Start now!


Want to achieve more in your life? Book a FREE consultation with Aaron today and learn how to cultivate the traits of highly successful people.
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