THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESS

What makes a person successful? Why is it that some people seem to live lives

filled with triumph and achievement, while others fail at most of the things they

do or at least don’t succeed to any great degree? Have you ever asked yourself

those questions? I have. And the answers are very revealing.

Based on the latest census report, 9.2% of all U.S. workers earn less than

$11,000 a year, and only 5% make more than $145,000. When I read the

report, it started me thinking about the ingredients of success-what characteristics

the people who are successful have in common.

Idon’t believe that anyone is destined by fate for success. Ialso don’t believe

that success is reserved for those with a fortunate heritage or who grow up in an

enriching environment. In short, it’s not a private club for those who just happen

to be born wealthy, intelligent, or attractive.

Human history speaks to the fact that success is available to anyone who can

overcome his or her shortcomings. Given that people from all cultures and

walks of life have lived successful [yes, it raises the question, “What do they

have in common?”

Attitudes and Actions That Lead to Success

After thinking about it and trying to identify the differences between people

who succeed and those who fail, Icame to the conclusion that most of it has to

do with attitudes and actions. Successful people think and do things differently

than people who fail.