We desire great things. We should. A motivated person can achieve much. The world is full. While chasing dreams, we must consider the natural laws for success involved. Just wanting is not enough. We can want so bad that we ache; but unless we honor the associated laws, our desire will fail to materialize, leaving us suffering and depressed.Rules prevail. Some rules are natural laws, the actions necessary for the blessing. Such as, if you want to strengthen your muscles, you must exercise. Other rules are socially invented. Both must be respected and obeyed (most of the time). If I want to be a doctor, I must obey the social rules of education to be hired. If I want to be a sports star, I must practice, seek professional training, and play on competitive teams. Rules natural and social must be recognized, honored and obeyed.
​See Natural laws of Life for more on this topic
Key Definition:
Success traits refer to the specific characteristics and qualities that are commonly associated with achieving success in various aspects of life. These traits can include resilience, determination, adaptability, leadership, creativity, and a strong work ethic, among others. Individuals often strive to cultivate these qualities in themselves to improve their chances of reaching their goals and attaining success in their personal and professional endeavors.
Each Endeavor has A Set of Rules
The media world, and especially the self-improvement circuit like to generalize, using common key words such as success. “To Succeed Do these Five Things…” Each reader, however, has a different vision of success, with endeavors that have very specific requirements. So, success boils down to a very simple formula: Know what needs to be done (the rules) and be motivated to do it, and then do it.
“​Being successful isn’t necessarily about being rich or winning awards, it can be also about personal fulfillment.”​
Requirements of Success
Effort
Requirements sting the lazy dreamer. We float on unsubstantiated fantasies. Thoughts provide an escape from anxieties of the moment. “Life will be all better soon,” we console ourselves as we sit, doing nothing to make life better.
​A future vision that drives present action is necessary. We must clearly see our possible selves. We need more than a fancy imagination while we are sitting comfortably on the couch. The contingencies are points of action. They stand as centuries at the gate, blocking entry to lackadaisical action. We must research, delving into the intricacies of success, attending to actions in the moment. Success comes to the bull-headed pursuer, undeterred by setbacks; but wise in action, seeking advice, insights and support.
We can’t fail to honor the small and unheralded contingencies. Building skills, investing resources, and working through frightening failures. Success is more costly upfront than simply drifting, arousing hope with dreams. The great successes in life repeatedly demand the same success traits–courage, patience, skill, and self-discipline.
In the end, success is obtained by those that can dream and rally determined self-efficacy to bring those dreams to joyful fulfillment.
“​It’s the easiest thing in the world to give up from a failure. The only way to push on is if you have the true burning desire to succeed, to not be moved or dissuaded from your goals.”
Patience and Sacrifice
Worthwhile success takes time. We must not only do the right things but consistently do the right things. Many actions don’t have an immediate reward. The reward comes from patiently continuing in actions we know are essential. Patience is being future minded.
Studies find the people that score high in conscientiousness on the Big Five personality test are more likely to succeed at work. People who slow down, attend to the intimate details, do better in the office (Teodorescu et al. 2017). This take patience. We can’t be caught up in a constant rush. Shortcuts typically fail. Impatient for results the promises of an easier way lures us away from proven practices. We think we are wise, cheating our way to the front of the line; but in the end, the impatient cheater is the fool.
Success is not the reward for those chasing every impulse. Success requires consistent purposeful effort, sacrificing time consuming amusements for more substantial behaviors.Self-disciplined paths are barren of joy. We must find joy along the long winding path. Self-disciplined individuals find the balance. They know what must be done and do it, even when that means passing on a few pleasures along the way.
​See Delay of Gratification for more on this topic
Common Traits for Success
Essential Personal Traits for Success
When it comes to achieving success, certain personal traits can significantly impact an individual’s journey. Some essential traits for success include:
- Resilience: The ability to adapt and bounce back from setbacks is crucial for achieving long-term success.
- Perseverance: The willingness to persist and work diligently towards goals, even in the face of challenges, is a key trait of successful individuals.
- Self-discipline: Having the self-control to stay focused, organized, and avoid distractions is essential for achieving success in various endeavors.
- Optimism: A positive outlook and the ability to see opportunities in difficult situations can greatly contribute to achieving success.
- Continuous learning: Successful individuals often display a growth mindset, embracing opportunities to learn and develop new skills throughout their journey.
- Adaptability: The capacity to adjust to new circumstances and innovate as necessary is a valuable trait for navigating the ever-changing landscape of success. Research utilizing the Big Five personality test, repeatedly find successful people score high on openness. (Baek, Martin, et al. 2016). Openness to experience abandons many protective inhibitions.
- Courage: Taking calculated risks and facing challenges with courage and determination can lead to significant achievements. Behind every great success is courage. The courage to act. The courage to become. Taking opportunity requires venturing into the unknown, abandoning comforts and reaching a little higher. These movements require courage. We need courage to move beyond planning and take meaningful action.
- Prioritizing Competing Demands: Prioritizing is the act of determining the order for dealing with a series of tasks, responsibilities, or goals based on their relative importance, urgency, or impact. It involves assessing and arranging items in order of their priority to ensure that the most crucial ones are addressed first. Effective prioritizing can lead to improved productivity and time management.
Skills Necessary for Success in the Business World
In the business world, there are additional skills we should develop to succeed. Each profession has its own set of skills—that we can learn with courage, patience and self-discipline. However, there common group skills that improves the likelihood for success across the board. These are:
Social Skills
In the business world, several social skills are crucial for success, including:
- Communication: The ability to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and convey messages effectively.
- Networking: Building and maintaining professional relationships to expand opportunities and gain industry insights.
- Collaboration: Working well with others, fostering teamwork, and resolving conflicts constructively.
- Adaptability: Being open to change, learning from feedback, and adjusting to new circumstances.
- Leadership: Guiding and motivating teams, making decisions, and taking initiative.
- Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions, empathizing with others, and navigating social complexities.
- Negotiation: Finding mutually beneficial solutions, advocating for interests, and reaching agreements.
Writing Skills
Developing strong writing skills is crucial for success in business for several reasons:
- Effective Communication: Clear and concise writing allows for effective communication with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. It helps in conveying ideas, proposals, and information in a professional manner.
- Professionalism: Strong writing skills contribute to maintaining a professional image for the business. Whether it’s drafting emails, reports, or presentations, polished writing reflects positively on the company.
- Marketing and Sales: In marketing and sales, compelling copy is essential for attracting and retaining customers. Persuasive writing can significantly impact the success of promotional materials and sales pitches.
- Documentation: Businesses rely on written documentation for various purposes, such as contracts, agreements, and policies. Clear, well-written documents are essential for legal purposes and to avoid misunderstandings.
- Online Presence: In the digital age, businesses often communicate through written content on websites, social media, and blogs. Good writing skills are essential for creating engaging and informative online content.
In essence, writing skills play a vital role in shaping perceptions, fostering relationships, and driving business success across various aspects.
These specific skills can significantly impact professional success and contribute to a positive business environment.
By embodying these essential individual traits along with specific business skills traits, individuals can enhance their potential for success in both personal and professional aspects of life.
​A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic
The riches of the world are for dreamers—the dreamers that wisely work, doing the right things, at the right times. We must keep the dreams alive, imagining the joys of fulfillment, letting the excitement drive work. If we never cross the line, moving from ideas to reality, we stall—an apathetic dreamer. Develop the traits of success that activate your dreams, moving you one small step at a time until, at last, you are the success you knew you could be.
Last Update: March 4, 2024
References:
​Baek, Y., Martin, P., Siegler, I., Davey, A., & Poon, L. (2016). Personality Traits and Successful Aging. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development,83(3), 207-227.
Marcus, L. (2013). Traits of Successful Women. Nurse Educator,38(3), 109-109.
​Teodorescu, A., Furnham, A., & MacRae, I. (2017). Trait correlates of success at work. International Journal of Selection and Assessment,25(1), 36-42.
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