How to be Successful at All You Do – 7 Crucial Personality Traits
Posted on 08. Jun, 2010 by Matthew Toren in Entrepreneurship, Personal Development
Judging from the number of self-help and business books sold every year, millions of people want to know what it takes to be successful in business and in life. Of course we do. Especially if you define success as abundance in all areas – not just money – then being “successful” is what life’s all about. The other thing you can guess from the millions of these books sold is that not everyone agrees about what it takes to be successful. If they did, there would only be one book, right? Well, not necessarily. If you read all the books, you’ll mostly hear similar themes repeated in various ways. This is good, because different people learn and absorb information in different ways. Some will resonate more with books and programs that incorporate humor, while others prefer to take a more serious approach, for instance. When it all comes down to it though, most of the books talk about at least one or several (or all) of the following personality traits as being necessary for success. In fact you’ll find that few if any successful business people are lacking many of these traits.
Successful people are…
1. Optimistic. People who have achieved success in life tend to be optimistic. They are far more likely to be heard talking about solutions than problems, whether in their business or personal lives, and they don’t dwell on past failures but focus on future opportunities.
2. Passionate. Successful people look forward to doing whatever it is that they do. While they’re excited about weekends with the family or vacations away, they aren’t the ones dreading Monday morning. They have passion for work and for life, and if they find themselves doing something they dread, they won’t do it for long. Instead they’ll find an alternative that drives them and inspires them.
3. Persistent. Those who have found true success have done so through persistence and tenacity. Successful people don’t have fewer obstacles than those who have not experienced success. They just keep going even after the obstacles come up. They deal with challenges and move on, learning as they go. They feel sick at even the thought of giving up just before a successful breakthrough. And because of their passion, persistence doesn’t feel like a chore – it’s fun!
4. Flexible. Being able to change course when necessary contributes to success in big ways. While successful people follow plans, they know that the unexpected will arise, and when it does they’re willing and able to adapt as needed and turn change into opportunity. They don’t wish for the good old days – they relish progress and go with the flow. (Or they change the flow they don’t like!)
5. Educated. This isn’t exactly a personality trait, and it doesn’t have anything to do with schooling. The personality trait that relates to education is a thirst for learning. Look at any success story, from Walmart founder Sam Walton, who didn’t even finish high school, to LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, who has degrees from Stanford and Oxford, and you’ll find someone who is committed to lifelong learning and improving him or herself. Successful people are educated in their areas of passion, even if they aren’t “book smart.”
6. Focused. People who have experienced success in their business and personal lives have done so in part because they’ve been focused on success. But more importantly, they’re focused on the long-term. From managing personal finances to running companies, these people know that sacrificing now can pay off big in the future. Successful people understand that while short-term victories are critical, they are only so important because they contribute to long-term success. So they are not easily distracted by the lure of making a quick buck – or by the pretty secretary in the next office.
7. Altruistic. Contrary to the stories of greed and gluttony you sometimes hear about in the corporate world, politics, and elsewhere, truly successful people tend to be unselfish and often philanthropic. That doesn’t mean they’re pushovers, but they are concerned about people and about contributing to the greater good. In fact many of the most successful people in the world, both financially and personally, have found their true passions in helping and giving, more than in selfish pursuits.
Ask yourself how many of these seven personality traits you have. If you’re seriously lacking in any of them, what can you do to change that? And what other traits do you think a person needs to be a true success? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!
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29 Responses to “How to be Successful at All You Do – 7 Crucial Personality Traits”
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Laptop Briefcases
08. Jun, 2010
Yes all of these traits can help you achieve success. I don’t know if I necessarily agree with #7 though. I think a lot of people start donating money and helping other people after achieving some level of success. Of course those same people are getting a big tax break by donating that money. So there’s no way of knowing their true intentions. I think a lot of those people feel guilty about people they stepped all over on their path to success.
Sidney Rees
08. Jun, 2010
Nice article! Sorry to disagree Laptop Briefcases but if you don’t tell the world what you do and your accomplishes are on doing that then the world might never get to know you as a professional on that field so… I agree with point #7.
I am altruistic! … but I really need to learn to stay focused!!! (I should be working!!!!) :P
Kelvin Forex Indicator
08. Jun, 2010
These 7 factors are really the key to a successful life be it business or personal. It works like a chain as everyone of them are equally important and cannot be missed.
JohnAtBlogtrepreneur
08. Jun, 2010
Wow, Laptop. Bit of a pessimistic view. The point of the list is that it’s about personality traits of “successful” people. If someone is “guilty about people they stepped all over” they don’t exactly fit the definition of success presented. The successful business owners I hang out with are indeed concerned with others and truly altruistic.
Andrew@BloggingGuide
09. Jun, 2010
I agree with all these traits and especially on number 7. Being altruistic is not really mentioned all the time but I’m surprised that you included it as a point here. As they say, share your blessings and that the more you give, the more you will receive..
Payday Loan Lenders
09. Jun, 2010
Great Article, I would say that these things surely help but yea last point I am not very sure. There are too many hurdles for an altruistic person but a person who can show well that he is actually altruistic will always be in a advantageous position
Komodo Dragon
09. Jun, 2010
I definitely concur with most of these 7 personality traits, I find that being passionate about something is perhaps one of the greatest traits you can have. If your not passionate about something, it’s not going to take you far.
season episode
09. Jun, 2010
Should I mention disciplined?
JohnAtBlogtrepreneur
09. Jun, 2010
@season Yes! I think that’s a great addition to the list. It goes along with being focused and persistent but it’s a category to itself for sure. Good call!
Federo
10. Jun, 2010
Great arctical.
Everyone wants to be successul.But not everyone dares to take risks.
However, as the old Chinese saying goes,”The first to eat the crab people should be encouraged”, the winner are all bold to make decisions.
Bold people are more likely to be successful because they make decisions at the very first time after he understand the situations.
Samantha Milner
10. Jun, 2010
Hi guys,
I have all 7 personality traits. But they all need improvements. I really need to work on #7, so this summer I will be doing community service at a youth center.
Kind regards,
Sam
X
Credit Girl
10. Jun, 2010
Wow! That’s a good list. I think it’s easier said than done though! Consider it a checklist for those who want to be successful.
Paley Commercial Real estate
10. Jun, 2010
Passion and Optimist view very very important. i’ll fully agree with your each and every point, personality makes a great difference to get success.
Growing Sales Revenue
14. Jun, 2010
All 7 factors are really the key to a successful life be it business or personal.
Every article post that posted on your blog are really fully informative. It help me to increase my knowledge and help me to make a online internet marketer. Thanks for all.
Laptop Briefcases
15. Jun, 2010
@John: I know what I said sounded pessimistic, but that is often the case with people who appear to be successful on the surface. When most people set out to start a business they’re usually not already making plans on how to give back. Instead they usually get to a point where they realize the money isn’t as important to them (once they have enough themselves). I’m not saying every successful person who gives back has ulterior motives. I’m just saying it’s not really a personality trait that is necessary for success. People do have their own ideas of what success is though.
JohnAtBlogtrepreneur
15. Jun, 2010
@Laptop I know what you’re saying, and I’ve seen it a lot too. Many people equate success with money and that’s the end of it. That’s why there are a lot of miserable millionaires out there. Those who achieve what I would call “true success” look at more than the money and are interested in helping others. Many would not feel successful without balance, and that balance often includes making a positive difference. (Of course there’s no doubt it’s easier to worry about helping others AFTER you’re doing well yourself!) :)
Paley Commercial Real estate
21. Jun, 2010
@ Laptop: I m also agree that personality trait that is not necessary for success but it will make difference and help to get success very soon.
mariana
21. Jun, 2010
The first to eat the crab people should be encouraged ??
Bronwyn
25. Jan, 2011
Our attitude defines us. Positive attitude most likely will succeed in everything that we do.
ISAAC MATHEWS
03. Aug, 2011
these steps seem 2 be working 4 many pipo i wil try them out.
Obinna Oguji E.
15. Sep, 2011
I want to be successful in life, but I do not know how to be. Please help me friends!
Jackson Onyenwenu
08. Oct, 2011
This is wonderful and if taken seriously, success is assured.
holly
14. Oct, 2011
WAW, love this article!
I’ve got to say that I’m very lucky to pocess all of these trait and then some. Not only do I tick all the boxes on this list, I also pocess other traits that I think are important for success: ambition, determination, drive, hardworking nature ect.
It hasn’t always been this way though. I’ve spent the majority of my life time with low selth esteam, no confidence what so ever and I let people put me down and take advantage, take the piss and everything else.
I have however turned my life around. I’ve done continues reading up on multipule topics wich in turn has boosted my knowledge, selth awarenies aswell as many other things. I can now say I have everything I think it takes to be every bit if a success!
I quit smokeing, lost my excess pregnancg weight, took on healthier eating habbits and quit gave up on my caffine habbit, all at the same time! really I don’t think many people could acheive so much in such short space of time.
My acheivments don’t stop their. I’m always working out to make the best of my figure, doing maths and english at college to improve my academcik intelligence and in preperation of doing a full on make over for next year.
New clothes, new hair style and full on new look, down to underware and pj’s! every week of this year to next I’m buying new things for a new look so next year I can have an all new look. THIS is one of my biggest challenges yet but when I successed it will be well worth the long wait like what is listed in the check list.
Mr i need help
11. Nov, 2011
Hey wasup guys.im a college student and i really lack motivation 2 succeed…i get good grades but im nt motivated and i have none of the traits above does dat mean i wont be successful?
Travis liggins
13. Nov, 2011
This was very informative I like these seven things alot
A
14. Nov, 2011
I think this is a great list and agree that these traits do help one become successful. I have all these traits, though I can work on being more optimistic and focused in terms of what I specifically want in the future.
Other traits that I think should be on this list is having great follow-up and staying true to yourself. There’s no use in meeting someone and not following up with someone afterwards, or promising something and not going through with it. It also helps if you stay true to who you and be transparent. It’s more genuine and people will want to help help you become successful.
ADIEL25
23. Dec, 2011
Thank you on for this list traits :)
I am on the right the path to success, I am so exited to start new projects and help so many people on the way.. I’ve discovered my myself, found my passion, love every single day, Is a new opportunity to meet new people and make a difference in their life and mine as well, want to add something to this blog..
Be Grateful for want you have and more will come :)
Hair_Artist
10. Jan, 2012
@Adiel Your right at being greatful.
I believe in giving back to the community. I was a young mother once and if it weren’t for the people who “gave back” and helped me I don’t know what I would of done. I love going and giving women the gift of beauty through volunteer work. But this goes with #2 Being passionate with what yo do. I love what I do. Its not a job its a passion. I would do it for free if I could live on free but I cant and I want to provide more for my family.
Very helpful blog.
lonwabo hynes
28. Jan, 2012
To be successful takes more than just putting effort on what you do,the decisions that you make should be on point. A loss in a business is sometimes healthy for future stable income. Reckless spending should be avoided but tex should be paid. Everyone can tell you how to do it but they never did it.