These examples do not inspire me!
My focus and fascination is with people who seem to do well in many
areas of life, and do it over and over through a lifetime. In entertainment, I
think of Paul Newman and Bill Cosby. In business, I think of Ben and Jerry (the
ice cream moguls)…As a Naval Officer, husband, businessman, politician and now
as a mediator and philanthropist on the world stage, Jimmy Carter has had a
remarkable life. We all know examples of people who go from one success to
another. These are the people who inspire me! I’ve studied them, and I’ve
noticed they have the following traits in common:
1. Repeatedly successful people respond instantly! When an investment
isn’t working out, they sell. When they see an opportunity, they make the call.
If an important relationship is cooling down, they take time to renew it. When
technology or a new competitor or a change in the economic situation requires
an adjustment, they are the first and quickest to respond.
2. They work hard! Yes, they play hard, too! They get up early, they
rarely complain, they expect performance from others, but they expect
extraordinary performance from themselves. Repeated, high-level success starts
with a recognition that hard work pays off.
3. They are incredibly curious
and eager to learn. They study, ask questions and read—constantly! An
interesting point, however: While most of them did well in school, the
difference is that they apply or take advantage of what they learn. Repeated
success is not about memorizing facts, it’s about being able to take
information and create, build, or apply it in new and important ways.
Successful people want to learn everything about everything!
4. They network. They know lots of people, and they know lots of different
kinds of people. They listen to friends, neighbors, co- workers and bartenders.
They don’t have to be “the life of the party,” in fact many are quiet, even
shy, but they value people and they value relationships. Successful people have
a Rolodex full of people who value their friendship and return their calls.
5. They work on themselves and never quit! While the “over-night wonders”
become arrogant and quickly disappear, really successful people work on their
personality, their leadership skills, management skills, and every other detail
of life. When a relationship or business deal goes sour, they assume they can
learn from it and they expect to do better next time. Successful people don’t
tolerate flaws; they fix them!
6. They are extraordinarily creative. They go around asking, “Why not?”
They see new combinations, new possibilities, new opportunities and challenges
where others see problems or limitations. They wake up in the middle of the
night yelling, “I’ve got it!” They ask for advice, try things out, consult
experts and amateurs, always looking for a better, faster, cheaper solution.
Successful people create stuff!
7. They are self-reliant and take responsibility. Incredibly successful
people don’t worry about blame, and they don’t waste time complaining. They
make decisions and move on.…Extremely successful people take the initiative and
accept the responsibilities of success.
8. They are usually relaxed and keep their perspective. Even in times of
stress or turmoil, highly successful people keep their balance, they know the
value of timing, humor, and patience. They rarely panic or make decisions on
impulse. Unusually successful people breath easily, ask the right questions,
and make sound decisions, even in a crisis.
9. Extremely successful people live in the present moment. They know that
“Now” is the only time they can control. They have a “gift” for looking people
in the eye, listening to what is being said, enjoying a meal or fine wine,
music or playing with a child. They never seem rushed, and they get a lot done!
They take full advantage of each day. Successful people don’t waste time, they
use it!
10. They “look over the horizon” to see the future. They observe trends,
notice changes, see shifts, and hear the nuances that others miss. A basketball
player wearing Nikes is trivial, the neighbor kid wearing them is interesting,
your own teenager demanding them is an investment opportunity! Extremely
successful people live in the present, with one eye on the future!
These traits work together in combination, giving repeatedly successful
people a huge advantage. Because they are insatiable learners, they can respond
wisely to change. Because their personal relationships are strong, they have
good advisors, and a reserve of goodwill when things go bad. And finally, none
of these traits are genetic! They can be learned! They are free and they are
skills you can use. Start now!
