In our work with successful business leaders, we notice many traits they share. Here are just a few:
1. They Eat A Live Frog For Breakfast
No, not literally, but as Brain Tracy explains in “Eat That Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done In Less Time”, we all have a limited amount of time in which to get our work done. Whether your work week is 15 hours or 65 hours, there are important tasks that take up large ‘chunks’ of time and mental energy.
Successful people understand that if they leave these until all the smaller tasks are done, the chance of finding sufficient time to complete large tasks is small, and the chance of beginning is low.
The trick is to tackle your “frog” – your most difficult task, and the one you are most likely to procrastinate on – at the start of each day. This gets it out of the way, and frees up your time and energy to accomplish much more later in the day.
2. They Don’t Expect Immediate Results
Sure, some things happen fast. But real growth and improvement takes time. Building a business from the ground up? Successful people know that it takes 5 to 7 years to get consolidation. Want to become wealthy? They believe in getting rich slow … with sound investments over time, not risky ventures. As many financial advisors will tell you, it’s time in the market rather than timing the market that will get you results. Successful people know that it’s worth taking time to research, and to do things right the first time. They are also willing to put in the work and effort required to get the results they want.
3. They Learn From Their Mistakes
Mistakes … we all make them! And it could be argued that the most successful people we know have made some of the most, or biggest mistakes. Truly successful people learn the lesson from every experience they have. They don’t dwell on the past and beat themselves up over the consequences of their past actions, nor do they give up after one failed attempt. They apologise when necessary, make amends, and move forward in a different and better direction.
4. They Take Responsibility For Their Own Life
Successful people don’t blame their competition, the weather, the economy, or their ‘lot in life’ for their situation. They control and influence what they can, recognise and accept what they can’t, and don’t waste time dwelling on things they have no control over. They recognise that life isn’t always fair and make the best of every situation they are faced with. Furthermore, they are genuinely happy when other people succeed, knowing that there is no limit to good things in life, and enough for all of us.
5. They Like Themselves
The most successful people we know are comfortable in their own skin, and happy with who they are! Sure, they know they can always improve, but they genuinely accept and like themselves. They don’t have a need to people-please, and they tell it like it is while being fair and kind.
There are many more we could add to the list. What are some traits you’d like to adopt to achieve greater success in your business?