#190: Top Three Characteristics Of The Successful

In episode #190 of The Happy Doc, we discuss the top 3 characteristics of the successful. When you study the characteristics of high performers, there are many areas you can focus on, but the truth is, it is no wonder that these individuals are succeeding in their area of focus. If you are able to chip away at any of these characteristics, you are surely on your way to carving your own amazing path.  First, the successful have a strong core belief in themselves that they can achieve their ambitions. It is difficult to run a marathon if you can't believe you will complete a marathon in the first place. When you close your eyes and imagine being at the next level of your work, you must believe it is possible to actually achieve it. The successful see in their mind's eye what it would feel like, taste like, and smell like to be at the next step. It as if they know that their next step is already assured. By believing in themselves, successful individuals create an aligned front which allows them to do what is necessary to complete the tasks that will be laid out for them. By believing in the possibility, the actions that need to be completed become much easier. When you reflect on your own goals, please consider if you can truly swallow the possibility of what you want to achieve. By reflecting and taking on full responsibility for the challenge, you will be ready for the next step.  Second, the successful take consistent and high-level action towards their goals. Most individuals get excited and begin to take action on what they want to achieve initially. But the select few create a system of action which allows them to operate on their goals long term and maintain their desired level of execution. A consistent daily routine or set of habits that allows one to accomplish their goals over time must be established. If we use the example of the marathon, it is not possible to achieve results by running one mile per week. A consistent incremental increase in running, with planned rest periods, and a proper nutrition plan is ideal. By creating a map and plan of how to increase workload and strength overtime the individual can eventually run a marathon. The successful look at their goal, create a plan of action, and operate on it.  If you truly want what you say you want, what actions are you taking to support your dream or vision?  Third, successful individuals create high standards for themselves. A standard is a decision to never drop below a certain level or set of criteria. If your goal is to stay fit, you may decide to set a standard of how many days a week at a minimum you must work out. If you want to be a doctor, maybe you set a standard of the minimum grade you must achieve in your college courses. When you set high standards for yourself, it means you will not accept actions that do not operate at your level of standard. As your level of action improves and you create trust within the way you operate, you may have more confidence to increase your standards. Changing your standard is a promise to yourself that you will look at your daily actions in a brand new light. As you reflect on your goals in life, what standards will you set to make sure you achieve your goals? The successful set a standard and keep to it.   A bonus concept in the discussion around the successful is the importance of maintaining and creating high-quality relationships. It is often said that you are a combination of the 5 people you most associate yourself with. If you spend your energy around individuals who have a negative mindset, put you down, or don't operate at the level in which you would like to live, consider opening up about your goals to them. As we change our standards, we must communicate our level of thinking to those in our circles. If someone does not want to support your actions to live a happier, healthier, and improved life, would you want to spend time around these individuals anyway? By staying cognizant of our goals and desires, we can make sure to communicate and immerse ourselves around individuals who will help us on our goal. Additionally, by spending time with other positive individuals, the network effect of operating with other high-quality relationships exponentially increases our ability to make important connections which can elevate the quality of our lives. The successful understand that quality relationships matter. Consider auditing your circle and communicating your goals as you work on yourself! In summary the successful have the following: 1. A strong core belief in achieving their goals 2. A system of taking consistent action with a plan to achieve their goals 3. HIgh-level standards that are set to maintain an action at a certain level of quality and consistency. 4. High-quality relationships and effective communication around goals in order to maintain and elevate their circle.