Success, in all facets of life, is due to many factors. Thinking about your successes, can you identify just a few traits that led there?
In our culture, the trait of hard work is often praised. This is understandable, because it is something entirely within your control. You can decide how much attention and time you devote toward a project.
And no doubt, hard work is important. Of course, there is also the saying, “Work smarter, not harder.” This would suggest outside the box thinking, perhaps, is valuable.
The list of possible traits a long one, with possible contradictions.
Perhaps you find success due to the high quality of people you surround yourself with. Or you have always made it a point to be early for every meeting. Saying yes might lead to new opportunities; setting boundaries by saying no could be important for some.
Honesty, as they say, is the best policy, and maybe you agree. Being well connected can open many doors. So can being generous with your money and/or time. But looking out for yourself — if not you, then who? — might lead to personal advancement.
And then there are things completely out of your control, which could be lumped together as “luck”. Perhaps success is little more than being in the right place at the right time.
Consider the times you have had success, whether in your personal or professional life. Can you identify particular traits that come up again and again? If so, what might you do to play up to your strengths?
And if the answer is no, what might that say about succeeding in life?
Related questions: How do you define success? When is it useful to fail? How has luck shaped your life? What is important?