S-U-C-C-E-S-S Spells...

Some people are born to be successful aren't they? At least that's the way it seems. Yes, successful people might be intelligent. Or, they might have socially well connected upbringings. Or they might be naturally energetic and open and positive. But, the truth is most successful people use a course of action that involves self-actualization to employ things that lead to their success.

What Do Successful People Do?

1. Successful people know what they want
2. Successful people don’t just think, they act
3. Successful people have insatiable hunger for knowledge 
4. Successful people are curious and are not afraid to experiment
5. Successful people build their networks
6. Successful people are passionate about what they do  
7. Successful people are persistent and patient

 J.D. Roth (guest post from Pinyo),"Seven Traits of Successful People," April 6 2008) 

How can true achievement be directed without goals? Successful people dare to dream. They have a clear vision in their mind of what they want to do, so, as far as they're concerned, they believe they have taken the first steps of ownership as they set their goals.

Goals that become successes must be challenging, not too easily achieved. But, at the same time, goals must not be so unrealistic or so illogical that they could never be attained. Instead, they should be specific, measurable, and time-specific. Those who experience success monitor their steady progress toward achievable goals.

Successful people recognize an opportunity and seize the moment. They possess the courage to act. With their "can-do" attitude, they work hard and give an extra effort, and they do not consider these things to be obligations; instead, they see their actions as opportunities.

People who know success understand upfront that it will not come easily. Studies show that thinking things will come to you easily and effortlessly leaves you ill-prepared for the journey ahead, and significantly increases the odds of failure.(Heidi Grant Halvorson, "9 Things Successful People Do," Harvard Business Review, February 28 2011)

Successful people are passionate about what they do, and have a lot of fun doing it. Their excitement and passion is contagious, so others want to work with them. They possess the will to practice their skills over an extended period of time until they become highly skilled practitioners. 

Importantly, successful people know they cannot succeed without trying and testing. They redefine failure -- they keep their drive because they understand they can start over again and succeed. They are able to withstand struggles and hardships.

Research suggests that the belief in fixed ability is completely wrong — abilities of all kinds are profoundly malleable. Embracing the fact that you can change will allow you to make better choices, and reach your fullest potential. People whose goals are about getting better, rather than being good, take difficulty in stride, and appreciate the journey as much as the destination. (Heidi Grant Halvorson, "9 Things Successful People Do," Harvard Business Review, February 28 2011)

Many people are overly-confident in their ability to resist temptation, and, as a result, they put themselves in situations where temptations abound, but successful people tend to have great willpower. They know how to avoid temptation that threatens their success. They also know when they give their willpower regular workouts by putting it to good use, it will grow stronger and stronger, and better able to help them successfully reach their goals.

Successful people embrace life-long learning. When people cease to learn, they cease to grow. Learning helps people make decisions that ensure success. Successful people are inquisitive, always searching for answers to questions that concern them.

Networks help people achieve success. True networking is about building relationships at all levels inside and outside of the work environment — e.g., friends, classmates, teachers, colleagues, subordinates, superiors, vendors, customers, teammates, virtual friends, and clubs. More than ever, successful people build extensive networks.

Others can learn the mindset, actions, and habits of successful people and replicate these things to achieve success themselves.But, unless they are willing to work hard and establish some discipline in their lives, their dreams will remain pipe dreams, little mental fantasy trips that will never materialize. When the keys to success are not a birthright, people must push to achieve significant prosperity. Those who best cultivate their dreams will find these goals will yield successful realities.