1. A positive attitude
I
have never met a successful pessimist. It is absolutely essential that
you have a positive mental attitude in every aspect of life. Where your
mind goes, you go. If you think you’ll fail, chances are good that you
will. If you believe you’ll succeed – you’re halfway home.
2. A definitive goal
Winners
set goals. Losers make excuses. A goal is a dream with a deadline that
is measurable, identifiable, obtainable, specific and in writing. Goals
give you more than a reason to get up in the morning; they are an
incentive to keep you going all day. Goals tend to tap the deeper
resources and draw the best out of life. Achieving goals produces
significant accomplishments.
3. A courageous spirit
Courage
is what sets you apart from the crowd. Courage is ordinary people doing
extraordinary things. Courage is regarded as one of the major human
virtues. Courage is bravery, valor, standing up to danger, guts and
nerves all rolled into one. So what does courage have to do with running
a business? Plenty. I admit that most folks’ daily lives are not filled
with such dramatic challenges. We all face situations that require us
to reach down deep within ourselves to do what is right and brave and
occasionally difficult. Courage can involve making decisions that are
unpopular or time-consuming or even expensive.
4. An inquisitive mind
I’m
a big believer in lifelong learning. You don’t go to school once for a
lifetime; you are in school all of your life. Pursue learning in all its
forms – reading books, returning to school, attending seminars and
training classes, listening to those who are wiser and more experienced.
5. A strong heart
What
makes a champion? Is it attitude, confidence, courage, desire,
determination, discipline, endurance, mental toughness, perseverance,
physical ability, self-discipline or visualization? Yes. It’s probably a
little bit of all these characteristics, but it’s also a lot of heart.
In addition, it takes a strong heart to be a successful businessperson.
Use your head, to be sure, but don’t ignore what your heart is telling
you.
6. An analytical brain
Do your homework; get the facts. Learn to analyze details. Often the best ideas stem from little seeds everyone else overlooked.
7. A focused eye
How
many times have you heard an athlete talk about focus? It’s a topic I
also hear about frequently in business. The most common complaints? Too
many irons in the fire. Too many projects spinning at one time. Too many
interruptions. Too many phone calls. Too many emails. Too many things
to do. Too little time. Stay focused as best you can, and don’t let
things happen to you – not when you can make things happen.
8. A fearless approach
Innovate.
Be different. Those who are content to follow the crowd never get the
chance to stand out. Believe in yourself even when no one else does. If
you believe in what you are doing, your confidence will win over
skeptics. Confidence doesn’t come naturally to most people. Even the
most successful people have struggled with it in their careers. The good
news is that you can develop confidence, just like any muscle or
character trait, if you’re willing to work hard.
9. A disciplined tongue
He
or she who burns bridges better be a very good swimmer. You must learn
the art of communicating effectively with others. Clear communications
prevent miscommunications. When you say what you mean, mean what you say
and you keep your word, you foster trust. Stick to the subject at hand,
and avoid the temptation to dredge up old issues.
10. A clear conscience
Always
act like your mother is watching. Don’t forget those rules you learned
in kindergarten: Play nice. Be dependable. Tell the truth. If you can’t
get to the top by being true to yourself and straight with everyone
around you, your success will be hollow—and probably short-lived. Dreams
can come true. These traits, coupled with hard work and perseverance,
will keep your dreams from becoming just wishful thinking.
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