Check out six traits that successful people have in common.
What's your definition of a successful person? Is it Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey—maybe even your boss or favorite college professor? Everyone has a different view of success, from money and stardom to contentment. Yet, despite these differences, successful people are easy to spot. Many believe it's because they share common traits that catapult them to the top—and it's more than natural talent or intelligence.
With that in mind, let's look at six attributes that make up the DNA of wildly successful people. Do you recognize any of them in you?
Optimism
There's no place for Eeyore personalities in the storybook for success. Instead, successful people can easily identify what's good in the world. It's not all rose-colored glasses either. They recognize obstacles, but believe in their ability to help make the world an even better place.
Drive
The stories of many famously successful people begin with humble backgrounds. What sets them apart from other folks? More often than not it's an unwavering drive to succeed that outpaces the rest of us. Hard work and determination became the hallmarks of their success, and they constantly strive to do more. Simply put, they want to be among the best.
Persistence
Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson worked at NASA during a time when career opportunities were limited for them, but thanks to their tenacity and persistence, they overcame discrimination and racial segregation to help America win the space race. Imagine if they had chosen to quit instead of pursuing solutions. Instead, they persisted, and their rocket trajectory calculations changed the world.
Accountability
There will always be times when things don't go quite like you planned. The difference is, successful people take responsibility for their failures, and then look for ways to change course. In good times and bad, these individuals are accountable for their actions, and they are committed to finding solutions as a result.
Courage
Successful people are courageous and calculated risk-takers at heart. Oprah Winfrey, who hosted a morning talk show in Chicago, was willing to take a chance when she signed a syndication deal with King World, a move that propelled her to stardom and displaced "Donahue" as the No. 1 daytime talk show in America. Thinking of taking a calculated risk of your own? Start by consulting with your family, your mentors and your financial advisor.
Gratitude
People who approach life with a sense of gratitude tend to be more aware of what's good and important in their world. When things go well, they are immediately thankful for the results, which is an attitude that naturally breeds more success. Even when these folks face the inevitable failures in life, they bounce back faster than the rest of us.
Next Steps
- Define your goals for success
- Cultivate an optimistic attitude
- Work hard and make sacrifices when necessary
- Be willing to persist despite your failures
- Take responsibility for your actions
- Talk with your financial advisor about planning for financial success
Article provided by Melissa Stewart, CFP®, AIF®, Financial Advisor at Blueway Financial Partners of Raymond James.
The information contained herein has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Raymond James is not affiliated with any other entity listed herein. Material prepared by Raymond James for use by its financial advisors. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and CFP® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. 2060 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546. Phone: 616-974-3370
