When I ask people to describe characteristics of successful
people, they often identify characteristics that they associate
with others but not themselves. This never ceases to amaze me.
In a recent Red Ladder survey, respondents indicated that the top
two drivers for success were 1) having a strategic vision (87.5%)
and 2) having written goals (50.0%). Further, 62.5% indicated
that their definition of success was "work that is both
challenging and rewarding." Interestingly, no one indicated that
their definition of success was "being financially secure."
We all have the capacity to be successful. The question is, how
successful do you want to be? Here are some key characteristics
exhibited by successful people. Most successful people:
1. Have clearly identified their core values/ mission/ vision.
These comprise the compass by which key life decisions are made.
If a mariner didn't have a compass, how successful do you think
she would be navigating the world's oceans? You need a compass
too.
2. Create a personal definition of success. This is not what
society defines as success. Your personal definition of success
becomes your map and it goes hand-in-hand with your core vales/
mission/ vision. If you don't define success, how will you know
when you achieve it?
3. Have clearly defined, written goals. According to a Yale
Study, 3% of the graduating class of 1953 identified goals and 20
years later, those who had written down their goals appeared
happier and more content. Further, the same 3% that had written
down their goals had achieved more wealth than the remaining 97%
of their classmates put together! Need I say more?
4. Develop competency in negotiation. During interviews with
successful women in business, negotiation was cited as the most
critical factor in getting what was wanted both personally and
professionally. Successful people understand that negotiation is
not only about getting what you want, but getting what you
deserve. If you can't or won't negotiate the results and outcomes
you want for yourself, then who will?
5. Embrace risk-taking. People who are comfortable taking risks
typically experience increased autonomy, heightened self-esteem,
a more positive attitude toward life and an increased sense of
personal power. Most successful people I speak to, see and seize
opportunity. They recognize that taking risks typically involves
personal growth. Those with an aversion to risk often link risk
with failure. What is failure? Simply a judgment about events.
So, instead, view risk as a learning opportunity. Remember, no
risk, no reward!
6. Engage in continuous learning. One successful man I spoke to
indicated that, "continuous learning is key if you want to get
ahead in life." Does that mean formal education? It might, but
for most, it simply means staying current in their field or
maintaining expertise in an area of passion. And if your field of
expertise also happens to be your area of passion, then you are
really onto something!
7. Think big. Successful people aren't afraid to think big.
During a recent seminar, I asked participants to write down one
goal they would like to accomplish and to think big. One woman
shared with the group that she was a professional speaker and
that her goal was to replace Oprah Winfrey when she retires in
2008. I followed up with her recently and discovered that she is
currently in discussions with a local broadcast company is being
considered for an afternoon TV program. That's the power of
thinking big.
Woody Allen once said "eighty percent of success is showing up."
To inflate your success, it's the other twenty percent that is
most critical, that is, hard work combined with the desire to
succeed. If you do nothing else, carve out time to craft a
strategic vision for yourself, write down your goals and
remember, think big!
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