Natasha Combrink
Have you ever wondered why some people succeed at everything they start?
Or thought that people who take risky leaps, open their own businesses or become CEOs at huge companies must have something in common?
Well, you’re right! They do!
People who are consistently successful in their careers share some innate and self-taught traits.
And they’re always developing these more to take full advantage of it and get to the top.
Some of these traits are quite obvious, like passion and ambition. Naturally, if you truly love what you do and aspire to be the best, you have a huge chance of succeeding.
Other traits may not be as apparent. But they’re equally important.
Ready to hear what these are and chase success?
Well, the first thing you should know about successful people is that…
1) They have a leadership mentality
Whether you want to climb the corporate ladder or be a boss babe, you’ll have to be a leader if you want to reach success.
CEO, CFO, and COO are all very glamorous titles. But the people who fill these positions have a huge responsibility. They need to lead entire companies or sections thereof.
Entrepreneurs also need to have enough leadership skills to build a business from scratch. And even managers at general stores need to lead staff while fulfilling their daily duties.
Every position you have requires strong leadership skills if you want to move up and reach the top spot.
And while this trait comes naturally for some, others teach themselves to be great leaders.
I’ll admit, it’s a little difficult to do this.
But if you can’t be a leader, you might fail, so you have to at least try.
2) They’re passionate
Passion is one of the most important ingredients in the recipe for success.
Like I said before, those who love their career and have a true passion for what they do have a much better chance of success.
I know a lot of people argue that you can’t enjoy something the moment it becomes a job. But I disagree.
A love for your career is exactly what will help you succeed.
Just look at me.
I tried to become a lawyer. But I wanted to for all the wrong reasons and hated everything about it.
After a few unsuccessful years in the field, I decided to quit and pursue my passion.
Now I enjoy (almost) every second of it and have reached heights I never thought possible!
Do you have enough passion for your field or a true desire to be successful? Yeah?
Well, then, I believe you can do it!
So, if you’re in a slump and it feels like a hundred other things require your attention, you’re probably not chasing a career you really want.
My advice:
Change direction.
3) They’re creative
Successful people are creative. If things don’t work out, they improvise and find a different way.
Without creativity, you can’t come up with new ideas to outperform your competitors.
You see, the thing is, in today’s oversaturated market, no one is going to show interest in your services or products if another company has an improved, more beneficial version than you.
Creativity also helps successful people think of new marketing strategies. Most companies and brands gain popularity because of interesting ads or promos.
If you want to succeed in your career, you need to draw attention to what you offer.
It isn’t always easy. I get that. Successful people do too. But, even when it feels like their ideas or strategies aren’t working…
4) They’re optimistic
Believe it or not, things can look gloomy for really successful people too.
The difference between them and people who aren’t successful is how optimistic they choose to stay.
Think about it.
If you keep dwelling on negative thoughts, chances are things will start going wrong.
Staying positive will keep you from entering that dark place.
And if you believe in manifestation as I (and a ton of successful people) do, you’ll know that a positive mindset keeps the universe on your side too.
Remember, whatever you truly set your mind to, you can do! Especially if you teach yourself to always see the bright side.
5) They’re disciplined
Another trait successful people have is the ability to discipline themselves.
When successful people have a plan, they stick to it. Whether it be a ten-month or ten-year plan, they don’t stray.
Their dedication and discipline are an admirable killer combo that brings in a lot of rewards!
If you want to succeed, you need to start and only stop when you reach your goals.
Whether they’re big or small.
Like successful people, make that list of things standing in your way smaller And adjust your path when needed.
Seriously, people who reach the top are great at doing this. And it’s simply because…
6) They’re adaptable
Everything is constantly changing. The world, the workplace, the markets, the trends.
Wherever you look, there’s change!
And to stay successful and ahead of the competition, you need to be adaptable.
Be ready for change before it happens. You might not always have time to get used to an idea before implementing it.
Successful people can act immediately.
Want to know another reason why? It’s because…
7) They’re ambitious
Needless to say, successful people want to succeed.
They didn’t become the best in what they do by accident. Or get a leadership position just because they showed up.
And yeah, I know nepo babies exist, but I’m not talking about them right now.
To get yourself into a solid career, you need to have ambition. You need to know why you want to get there and have the drive to work for it.
The thing is, someone who craves success is rarely satisfied with where they are in their career unless it’s on top.
If it feels like your desire for success is incurable, you just need to keep chasing your ‘why’ until you feel content.
It can be tough at times. But successful people get it right because…
8) They’re determined
Determination, dedication, and ambition go hand in hand. And successful people combine these traits to get where they want to be in their careers.
Nothing will stop you if you’re determined to build a solid and reliable future.
No matter how many people tell you “no”…
No matter how many times you need to start over…
No matter how lost you feel at times…
… you’ll always keep going!
If you want to become the best in your field and have the determination to do it, you’re halfway there.
9) They’re confident
Confidence is key when starting a new venture or moving up in your career. I’m sorry to say this, but if you don’t believe you can do it, you probably can’t.
You need to back your own strengths and know your weaknesses. Before you can sell your ideas, sell yourself and your abilities.
Stay confident and keep believing. That’s how successful people do it, so why wouldn’t it work for you?
But remember:
Confidence can only take you so far. Far. But only so.
You’ll have to put in the work and give it time.
Successful people know this, and most are pretty good at waiting because…
10) They’re patient
Okay, I know this will sound like a cliché, but it’s true:
Good things do come to those who wait.
Successful people have the patience to wait when their careers move slowly. They know that every step can’t be a leap. And that small ones are better than none.
Always keep in mind:
If being successful was easy and quick, everyone would probably be.
A thriving career doesn’t happen overnight. You need to have what it takes to keep pushing even when it feels like you’re going nowhere.
11) They’re responsible
If you want to be successful, you need to understand that you’re responsible for your career and future.
You’re the only one who can climb that ladder. No one will save you when things go south, and you need to start over.
Many people make it onto the right path. But only those who can handle it responsibly get to stay.
You can’t get cocky after your first promotion or spend all the profits you make during that first big break.
Successful people make responsible moves to help them achieve more greatness! And if they mess up,…
12) They’re always eager to learn
No matter how smart, confident, or responsible someone is, making mistakes is inevitable. And while most people might give up when this happens, successful people use it as an opportunity to learn.
They know there’s always room for more knowledge!
If you want to be successful and stay at the top of your game, you need to be eager to learn.
Even if you think you know everything you possibly can about your career path, you should always keep an eye open for what’s new.
And hey, You don’t need to go back to college to update your resumé with a list of degrees! There are many short courses and even Youtube videos that’ll help you improve.
Successful people also turn to those above them for advice, opinions, and knowledge.
They believe it’s never too late to start and that you’re never too old to learn.
And I agree.
If you’re determined to be successful and willing to put in the work, you can reach heights you’ve only dreamed of.
Sure, it won’t happen overnight, and you might fail along the way. But the right attitude and perseverance will get you there. Just try!
