10 Secrets of Successful People

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Mandy has been working in the mental health field for more than eight years and has worked with a diverse group of clients. These range ...Read More

The essence of success lies in a combination of resilience, self-belief, and innovation. Successful individuals stand out by embracing risks, holding unwavering confidence in their abilities, and continually thinking outside the conventional norms. These pivotal traits foster a mindset that not only navigates challenges but also transforms them into opportunities for growth and achievement.

The 10 secrets of successful people include:

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  1. Taking Risks
  2. Unwavering Self Belief
  3. Indifference to Others’ Opinions
  4. Thinking Outside the Box
  5. Optimistic Nature
  6. Resilience and Acceptance of Failure
  7. “Can Do” Attitude
  8. Personal Responsibility
  9. Self-Awareness
  10. Giving Back

Top 10 Secrets of Successful People

1) Successful People Take risks

Successful people don’t sit on the side lines daydreaming. They DO what they think about. They aren’t afraid to get stuck in and take risks. Many ventures in life will never be 100% safe or guaranteed. Don’t let risk stop you. Get out there and see what happens. What have you got to lose? More people look back over their lives and regret what they didn’t do rather than what they did do.

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2) Successful People Possess Unwavering Self Belief

Successful people do sometimes suffer from self doubt but they are good at talking themselves out of it or not taking their thoughts too seriously. Instead of overanalysing all that could go wrong, they concentrate on their strengths. These strengths serve as the basic foundation from which they leap out into the wide world to show off their skills. Self belief accounts for a large part of success. I have seen many people with lackluster talent achieve great things due to their self belief. I have also seen super talented people waste their potential completely due to their lack of self belief. Self belief is the ‘springboard’, talent influences how high you can go. Without self belief – all talent is wasted.

3) They Don’t Care What Others Think

Successful people care very much about their own opinions. Not in an arrogant, self important way but in a faith-based way. They know what they are capable of and they have strong belief systems. The difference with their belief systems though compared to the ‘average Joe’ is that their belief systems work very much in their favor. They like themselves and they like what they stand for. They have strong ideals/values and live a life that is true to what is important to them. It’s easy to be ‘wishy washy’ when you don’t have clear values about life.

4) They Think Outside the Box and are Adaptable

Successful people don’t tend to just accept life as “the way it is”. They constantly ask why and they constantly look for ways to improve the “way it is”. They are leaders, not followers and aren’t afraid to go against the grain. The more people tell them something can’t be done, the more determined they become to give it a go.

Adaptability is a crucial trait for success, especially in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world. It’s about being flexible and open to change, whether it’s in the workplace, personal life, or broader societal shifts. Those who are adaptable are better equipped to navigate the uncertainties of life and can thrive in dynamic environments.

To cultivate adaptability, one should focus on developing a growth mindset, which involves seeing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as obstacles. It’s also about being proactive in learning new skills and staying abreast of industry trends, which can help in adjusting to new situations more effectively.

5) They’re Optimistic at Heart

At the thought of a new project, successful people are looking at possibilities instead of looking at all the possible problems. They allow the delicate creative process to develop before adding in rational and realistic forecasts. Nothing would ever be invented or achieved if we all started a project by looking at what could go wrong with it instead of focusing on what is possible. They look for the good in situations and this attitude creates a strong mental buffer that protects optimists against the ravages of the negative aspects in life.

Related Reading: The Science of Affirmations: The Brain’s Response to Positive Thinking

6) They’re Resilient/Not Afraid of Failure

Failure is seen as a clue to the puzzle. Instead of internalizing failure, successful people see it as a necessary part of life. They do not see themselves as failures, rather they look at the task as not working out. There is a clear mental separation between the person and the action. Failure is only a big deal if you make it a big deal.

Resilience is not just an innate quality but a skill that can be developed over time. It involves cultivating a mindset that embraces challenges and learns from setbacks. To develop resilience, one can start by setting realistic goals, maintaining a positive outlook, and building a strong support network. Practicing self-care and mindfulness also plays a crucial role in enhancing one’s ability to bounce back from adversity.

Real-life examples of resilience abound, showcasing individuals who overcame significant challenges to achieve success. Consider the story of a business leader who faced multiple rejections in the early stages of their career but persisted, ultimately leading a successful company. Or an athlete who overcame a serious injury through rigorous rehabilitation and went on to win championships. These stories underscore the fact that resilience is often the driving force behind extraordinary achievements. By learning from such examples and applying similar strategies, individuals can strengthen their resilience and navigate the path to success with greater determination and grace.

7) Successful People Possess a “Can Do” Attitude

Enthusiastic and always ready for a challenge, successful people look at finding solutions. They are fixers in life. They’re not obsessed about fixing things that can’t be fixed though and know when to back off and let something go. People with low self esteem tend to be the ones that find it hard to let go as they associate themselves and the task as one and see themselves as failures if they are unable to fix the issue. Successful people can maintain perspective and not get carried away with their enthusiasm. They recognise when effort outweighs the benefits.

8) They Take responsibility For Their Own Lives

This is a biggie. Successful people know that they are in their current position in life due to their own choices. People that don’t take responsibility for their choices in life tend to repeat the same old lines:

“It’s my parent’s fault that I am the way I am”. Parents do indeed influence us to a point but instead of blame, successful people accept their misfortune and almost use their rough start in life to fuel them further. They want to achieve despite what happened to them.

“I hit you because you provoke me. You make me do it.” Really? I don’t buy it. Unless there is a gun to your head, you still choose how to react. You can’t control others and their wayward thoughts but you most certainly choose what you do about it.

“I had an affair because you don’t pay me enough attention.” Another ‘cop out’. Have an affair if you need to (who am I to judge) but don’t blame someone else. That’s just ridiculous and shows denial at its best. Even if a relationship is awful, you are still choosing to stay in it and therefore cannot blame your partner for the misery you feel. They definitely contribute to your misery but it’s not all their fault. Personal responsibility would lead to happier lives for many people playing the ‘victim game’.

9) They Are Self Aware – Know Their Strengths/Weaknesses

Successful people have a healthy respect for themselves and they know what they’re good at. They also know what they aren’t that good at. They have no issues in admitting to their weaknesses either but they are good at capitalizing on their good bits. Successful people may sound superhuman but they aren’t at all. They just use their thinking to the nest of their abilities and choose the thoughts that work for them.

This leads to continuous learning. The pursuit of lifelong learning is a hallmark of successful individuals. Continuous learning is about constantly expanding your knowledge base and skill set, not just for professional advancement but for personal growth as well. It involves an ongoing quest for knowledge, understanding, and personal development.

To foster intellectual growth, it’s essential to cultivate a habit of curiosity and an open mind. This can be done through various methods such as reading extensively, attending workshops and seminars, engaging in online courses, participating in discussions with peers, and seeking mentorship or coaching. Additionally, embracing new experiences and stepping out of your comfort zone can significantly contribute to learning.

Practical steps include setting aside dedicated time for learning, staying updated with industry trends, and applying new knowledge to real-world situations. Successful figures often attribute part of their achievements to their commitment to continuous learning, demonstrating that the capacity to grow and adapt one’s knowledge and skills is crucial in navigating the complexities of modern life and work.

10) They Give Back

Truly successful people aren’t completely out for themselves. They see the bigger picture and they give back to others. They have a set of healthy beliefs about others – that people are generally good and not “out to get them”. People from unhappy and unsettled childhoods tend to grow up seeing the world as a mean, unkind place and they are more likely to incorporate negative beliefs about the world. As an adult, it is important to question these negative beliefs and find out that they don’t apply anymore in many respects. As adults we have more choice in life and it’s up to us to make the most of our lives. With a more balanced view of the world, we are far more likely to want to give back. If we are angry and feel hard-done-by, we are far less likely to want to contribute positively to the world around us. We believe that we are owed something..and victim mode sets in again ( see Number 8).

Defining Success 

Success is highly individualistic, varying greatly from person to person. It’s defined by one’s personal goals, aspirations, and the meaning they attribute to achievements. For some, success might be professional advancement, while for others, it could be personal fulfillment, happiness, or contributing to the community. This personalization of success means that each individual’s journey and metrics for success are unique and deeply personal.

The definition of success also varies across cultural, societal, and historical contexts. Different cultures may prioritize various aspects of life, such as community, spirituality, or material wealth, influencing their perception of success. Historically, the concept of success has evolved, reflecting societal changes and values. Understanding these broad perspectives helps in appreciating the diverse ways success is perceived and achieved around the world.

Embarking on the Path to Success

The journey to success is marked by embodying certain traits and employing specific strategies. Successful people are known for their willingness to take risks, their strong self-belief, resilience in the face of challenges, innovative thinking, and optimistic outlook. They also exhibit a “can do” attitude, take personal responsibility for their actions, possess self-awareness of their strengths and weaknesses, and have a generous spirit of giving back to others. Each of these elements plays a vital role in forming the foundation of success, which is tailored to an individual’s unique journey and aspirations.

As you reflect on these insights, remember that your path to success is both personal and constantly evolving. Embrace these traits and strategies in your own life, adapt them to your circumstances, and let them guide you toward achieving your individual definition of success. The road may be challenging, but it is also rewarding, leading to personal growth and fulfillment. Be encouraged to embark on this journey, keeping in mind that success is not just a destination but a continuous process of striving, learning, and evolving.

Keep Reading By Author Mandy Kloppers
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