Ethan Sterling
It’s one of the most fascinating aspects of human interaction:
You come across someone, maybe you’ve known them for a while, or perhaps you’ve just met, but there’s something extraordinary about them.
You’ve tried to pinpoint what it is, you’ve done your best to examine their actions and their words, but it’s elusive.
Here’s how to definitively identify that you’re in the presence of a truly successful person by recognizing these 8 behaviors.
1) They display a consistent thirst for knowledge
Success doesn’t come to those who sit and wait. It gravitates towards people who are continually seeking to learn and grow.
Consider the people you’ve encountered who just seem to have a knack for success. They’re the ones constantly absorbing new information, always curious, and perpetually engaged in the process of learning.
It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions. If they’re not sure about something, they make it their business to find out.
This thirst for knowledge isn’t limited to their field or industry either. Successful people understand that wisdom can come from unexpected places, and that every piece of knowledge is a potential tool for success.
2) They’re not afraid to admit they’re wrong
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from observing successful people, it’s that they aren’t afraid to admit when they’ve made a mistake.
In my own life, it’s always been tough to swallow my pride and acknowledge when I’m wrong. It’s easy to get defensive, to justify my actions or decisions, even when deep down, I know I could have done better.
But the individuals I’ve come across who truly embody success have shown me a different way. They don’t shy away from their mistakes. In fact, they embrace them.
Yes, you heard it right. They see their mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve, not as failures to be hidden or excuses to be made. They’re open about their errors, not in a self-deprecating way but with the confidence of someone who sees every wrong turn as just another step towards the right path.
This openness about their mistakes is not just a sign of humility but also a testament to their commitment to personal growth and improvement. They understand that to err is human, but to learn is divine. And that’s what sets them apart.
3) They have an uncanny ability to stay focused
I’ll never forget an encounter I had with a woman who owned a successful tech startup. I was just starting in my career, full of ambition but also easily distracted by the next shiny opportunity that came my way.
We were at a networking event, and I asked her how she managed to build such a successful business in a competitive market. Her answer was simple: “Focus.”
She told me that she had been offered numerous opportunities along the way, some even more lucrative than her current venture. But she chose to stay focused on her original goal, to grow her startup into a leading tech company.
She could have easily got carried away with the allure of new prospects, just like I often did. But she didn’t. She stayed the course, remained committed to her vision and ultimately, it paid off.
The ability to maintain focus amidst distractions is a common trait I’ve noticed among successful individuals. It’s not that they are immune to temptation or immune to the appeal of other opportunities. But they understand the value of focus and the power it has to drive success. They know that spreading themselves too thin can dilute their efforts and hinder their progress.
4) They have a knack for seeing the bigger picture
Ever wonder how some people seem to make decisions that are not just good, but extraordinarily beneficial in the long run? Their secret weapon is perspective.
Successful individuals have a way of looking at things that goes beyond the immediate. They understand that every decision, every action, has a ripple effect that extends far into the future. It’s as if they have a mental map of their journey and can see how each turn will affect their trajectory.
This ability to see the bigger picture helps them navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and make strategic decisions that propel them towards their goals. It’s not about making perfect choices but rather about making informed ones that align with their long-term vision.
5) They’re relentless in their pursuit of goals
One thing that’s become clear to me over the years is that successful people aren’t easily deterred.
I’ve seen them face obstacles that would make most of us throw in the towel, but they just keep going. It’s like they’ve got this internal motor that just won’t quit.
Take Thomas Edison for example. He failed a thousand times before he invented the light bulb. But did he give up? No, he pressed on because he had a goal and he was determined to achieve it.
The same applies to any successful person you meet. They set their sights on what they want to achieve and they don’t let anything stand in their way.
6) They cultivate strong relationships
This isn’t about having a vast network of contacts or being the life of the party. It’s about quality over quantity. They understand the value of strong relationships, whether it’s in their professional or personal lives.
The Harvard Grant Study, one of the longest-running studies on human happiness, found that close relationships are what keep people happy throughout their lives. The same principle applies to success.
Successful people nurture these relationships. They’re there for others when support is needed, they offer help without expecting anything in return, and they treat others with respect and kindness.
So if you encounter someone who invests time and emotional energy into building meaningful relationships, chances are you’re dealing with a truly successful individual.
7) They consistently practice gratitude
When you think of successful people, gratitude might not be the first characteristic that comes to mind. But in my experience, it’s a trait that many successful individuals share.
They don’t just appreciate what they have; they make a regular practice of acknowledging it. It could be through a gratitude journal, quiet reflection, or simply saying “thank you” more often.
Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can lead to better health, improved relationships, and yes, even greater success.
Successful people understand the power of gratitude. They know that appreciating what they have helps them stay focused on the positive and shields them from negativity and discouragement.
This regular practice of gratitude not only makes them more resilient, but it also fuels their drive and determination to achieve their goals.
8) They take care of their well-being
You might think that successful individuals are all about work, work, and more work. But in reality, they understand that their success is built on a foundation of good health, both physical and mental.
Whether it’s regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, or mindfulness practices like meditation, successful people make time for these activities. They see them not as luxuries, but as essential components of their success strategy.
Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about achieving goals or accumulating wealth. It’s about being able to enjoy what you’ve achieved. And that’s nearly impossible to do if you’re not in good health.
The final take
If these behaviors resonate with you, it’s very likely you’re already on the path to success or perhaps, you’re already successful in your own right.
But here’s the thing – success isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. It’s about constant growth and improvement. It’s about making a difference, not just in your life, but in the lives of others.
Start by being aware of these behaviors in yourself as well as in others. Recognize them for what they are – indicators of a successful mindset. And remember, these aren’t innate traits that only a select few are born with. They can be cultivated and honed with time and effort.
Ask yourself – which of these behaviors do I already exhibit? Which ones do I need to work on? How can I incorporate them into my daily routine?
This isn’t about becoming someone else, it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. Your journey to success is unique and should be celebrated as such.
So, take a moment to reflect on these behaviors, and perhaps, the next time you notice one of these in someone else or even in yourself, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for what truly constitutes success.
