Everyone wants to be successful whether they admit it or not.
Success is a word that means something different to everyone. What’s exciting is that only you can decide what your success looks like. But there’s one thing that all definitions of success have in common. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, success is:
“the achieving of the results wanted or hoped for.”
So, even though your idea of success is personal and unique, it always involves reaching a goal or achieving something important to you. Maybe it’s getting a dream job, being happy in your daily life, or hitting a new personal record in your favorite hobby. No matter what it is, success is about making things happen.
The good news is that successful people share common principles that anyone can learn to achieve their own version of success. In this letter, we’ll go through these important traits and explain how you can apply them to reach your goals.
Achieving Your Goals Transforms Your Life
Being successful can bring a lot of good things into your personal, professional and social life. Here are some of them:
1. Personal Benefits:
- Confidence and Happiness: Imagine the satisfaction of accomplishing something important—it boosts your confidence and fills you with happiness.
- Financial Stability: Success means less stress about money and more freedom to do things you enjoy.
- Growth and Learning: Like leveling up in a game, success helps you learn new skills and become more capable.
2. Professional Benefits:
- Career Advancement: Picture getting that dream job or earning a promotion—it opens up new possibilities for your future.
- Recognition and Respect: Just like when someone notices your hard work and skills, success brings respect from others.
- Networking and Influence: Meeting inspiring people who can help your career—success makes these connections possible.
3. Social Benefits:
- Stronger Relationships: Your success makes loved ones proud and brings you closer together.
- Inspiration and Impact: You can inspire others and make a positive difference in your community.
- Social Status and Legacy: Imagine being part of exciting events and leaving a lasting impression on others.
Success isn’t just about reaching goals; it’s about how it enriches your life and relationships. Embrace the journey towards success and enjoy the rewards it brings!
12 Essential Traits for Success
Being successful comes from having certain qualities and habits that help you reach your goals. These 12 special traits are like tools that make it easier to stay focused, motivated, and strong when things get tough.
Here are what successful persons have in common:
1. They know their WHY, their Purpose:
Knowing your “why” is like having a personal compass that guides you. It’s understanding why you do what you do—the deeper reason behind your actions and goals. This clarity gives your efforts meaning and helps you stay motivated through challenges.
How to develop this trait:
- Think about what really excites and drives you.
- Write down your values and what matters most to you.
- Set goals that align with these values.
- Reflect on your purpose regularly to stay inspired and focused.
“The two most important days in life are the day you born and the day you discover the reason why.” – Mark Twain
2. They have a Clear Vision:
Having a clear vision is like having a destination in mind for your life’s journey. It’s knowing exactly where you want to go and what you want to achieve. This vision not only guides your decisions but also fuels your passion and determination.
How to develop this trait:
- Imagine your ideal future in detail.
- Write down your vision so it becomes tangible.
- Break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps.
- Visualize your success to keep yourself motivated and on track.
“Visionary people face the same problems everyone else faces; but rather than get paralyzed by their problems, visionaries immediately commit themselves to finding a solution.” – Bill Hybels
3. They have a Plan with Steps
Having a plan is like having a roadmap to reach your destination. It’s about breaking down your vision into actionable steps. A clear plan keeps you organized, helps you track your progress, and ensures you’re moving forward effectively.
How to develop this trait:
- Break big goals into smaller tasks.
- Set deadlines for each task to stay on track.
- Use tools like to-do lists or apps to manage your plan.
- Regularly review and adjust your plan based on your progress and changing circumstances.
“There are dreamers and there are planners; the planners make their dreams come true.” – Edwin Louis Cole
4. They take Action:
Taking action is like putting one foot in front of the other on your journey towards your goals. It’s the crucial step that turns dreams into reality. By taking consistent action, you build momentum, create opportunities, and make progress.
How to develop this trait:
- Start with small, achievable tasks to build confidence.
- Set specific goals and deadlines to stay focused.
- Stay committed to your plan and push through obstacles.
- Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, to keep yourself motivated.
“Vision without execution is delusion.” – Thomas A. Edison
5. They surround themselves with Good People:
Surrounding yourself with good people is like having a strong support network cheering you on. Positive relationships provide encouragement, advice, and sometimes even a push when you need it most. They can also inspire you and help you grow.
How to develop this trait:
- Seek out mentors and friends who share your values and goals.
- Join groups or communities that align with your interests.
- Build relationships based on mutual respect and support.
- Limit time with negative influences and surround yourself with positivity.
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn
6. They regularly Improve themselves:
Regular self-improvement is like sharpening your tools for the journey ahead. It’s about continuously learning, growing, and expanding your skills and knowledge. This ongoing development keeps you adaptable and prepared for whatever comes your way.
How to develop this trait:
- Set aside time for reading, learning, and exploring new ideas.
- Take courses or attend workshops to develop specific skills.
- Seek feedback from others to identify areas for improvement.
- Embrace challenges and new experiences as opportunities to grow.
“We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” – Oprah Winfrey
7. They cultivate Good Habits:
Cultivating good habits is like laying a solid foundation for success. These are the routines and behaviors that support your goals and well-being over time. Good habits make it easier to stay focused, productive, and healthy.
How to develop this trait:
- Identify habits that align with your goals and values.
- Start with small changes and build up gradually.
- Use reminders or cues to reinforce new habits.
- Replace less productive habits with positive alternatives for long-term success.
“Success is the product of daily habits — not once-in-a-lifetime transformations.” – James Clear
8. They Believe in themselves:
Believing in yourself is like having an inner cheerleader. It’s about trusting your abilities and instincts, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. Self-belief gives you the courage to take risks and pursue your goals with confidence.
How to develop this trait:
- Focus on your strengths and past successes.
- Practice positive self-talk and affirmations daily.
- Set achievable goals and celebrate your progress.
- Surround yourself with supportive people who lift you up.
“Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” –Christopher Robin
9. They are Emotionally Mature:
Being emotionally mature is like having a superpower in relationships and decision-making. It’s about understanding and managing your emotions, as well as empathizing with others. Emotional maturity helps you stay calm under pressure and build meaningful connections.
How to develop this trait:
- Practice self-awareness and reflection on your emotions.
- Learn techniques with my letter on Emotional Intelligence.
- Listen actively and try to understand others’ perspectives.
- Seek feedback to improve how you handle emotions in different situations.
“The emotionally intelligent person is skilled in four areas: identifying emotions, using emotions, understanding emotions, and regulating emotions.” — John Mayer
10. They can Communicate Clearly:
Clear communication is like speaking the language of success. It’s about expressing your ideas effectively and listening actively to others. Good communication fosters understanding, builds trust, and enhances collaboration.
How to develop this trait:
- Practice active listening and pay attention to non-verbal cues.
- Use simple language and avoid jargon to ensure clarity.
- Ask for feedback to improve your communication skills.
- Practice speaking in front of others or writing to refine your ability to convey messages.
“Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.” – Nat Turner
11. They have a Growth Mindset:
Having a growth mindset is like seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. It’s the belief that you can improve your abilities through effort and learning. This mindset fuels resilience, creativity, and a passion for continuous development.
How to develop this trait:
- Embrace challenges as chances to learn and develop new skills.
- View setbacks and failures as valuable learning experiences.
- Focus on progress and effort rather than just outcomes.
- Seek out feedback and seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills.
“The problem human beings face is not that we aim too high and fail, but that we aim too low and succeed.” – Michelangelo
12. They Embrace Failure:
Embracing failure is like turning setbacks into stepping stones. It’s about seeing failure as a natural part of learning and growth. By embracing failure, you develop resilience, learn valuable lessons, and become more confident in taking calculated risks.
How to develop this trait:
- Reframe failures as opportunities for learning and growth.
- Analyze what went wrong and identify lessons learned.
- Practice self-compassion and perseverance in the face of challenges.
- Celebrate your efforts and progress, regardless of the outcome, to maintain a positive mindset.
“Why do we fall, sir? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.” – Alfred to Bruce Wayne
Start by Reflecting on Your Purpose
To begin your journey towards success, start by reflecting on your purpose. Understanding your “why” is the foundation of all other traits. It gives you direction, motivation, and clarity. Take some time to think about what truly excites you and what you want to achieve in life.
Here are some questions to get you started:
- What are your passions and interests?
- What values are most important to you?
- What kind of impact do you want to make in the world?
- What goals align with your values and passions?
Reflecting on these questions will help you uncover your deeper purpose and set the stage for your success.
Need Help? I Offer Mentoring!
If you find it challenging to identify your purpose or need guidance on your journey, I offer mentoring services to help you. Together, we can explore your values, passions, and goals to create a clear and inspiring purpose that will drive you towards success.
Feel free to reach out here for personalized support and start your journey with a strong foundation!
Leverage Your Unfair Advantages
“If you want to succeed you have to work hard” – said most people
We often hear that success comes from working hard. But what if that’s not the whole story? What if some people succeed because they have special advantages that others don’t? And what if you have your own special advantages that can help you succeed too?
“Life is unfair (and that’s your biggest advantage).” – Lucas
There are fair advantages — things that anyone can develop, like hard work, determination, perseverance, and grit. But there are also unfair advantages — unique strengths or situations that aren’t easy for others to copy. These might be natural talents, personal qualities, or lucky circumstances like having helpful connections, being in the right place at the right time, having good information, or having money.
It’s common to think only rich and famous people have these special advantages, but the truth is, everyone has their own set of unfair advantages. For example, not having much money can push you to be more creative and find new solutions, turning a disadvantage into a unique strength.
To find your unfair advantages, you can use the MILES framework:
- Money: Financial resources you have.
- Intelligence/Insights: Your smarts and unique perspectives.
- Location/Luck: Being in the right place at the right time and making the most of it.
- Education/Expertise: What you know and what you’re good at.
- Status: Your social standing or influence.
In the end, success isn’t just about hard work. It’s also about developing specific traits and using your unique advantages to reach your goals. By knowing what makes you special and using it to your benefit, you can live your best life. Focus on your positives and use your unique strengths to succeed!
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— Lucas Mouniama (@Lucas_Mouniama_) June 8, 2024
Thanks for reading me — it means a lot!
See you next week,
- Lucas