So what’s the difference between those who are financially successful and those who are living paycheck to paycheck? If you would believe it, it isn’t just old-fashioned luck. I did a little digging around, and found that these traits are what separate the wealthy from the rest of society. These are the characteristics of successful people that got them to the top and keep them there.
1. Frugality
In behavioral science, frugality has been defined as “the tendency to acquire goods and services in a restrained manner, and resourceful use of already owned economic goods and services, to achieve a longer term goal.” The rich know that investing in an “image” is not a wise investment. They never live beyond their means, and don’t require material goods to show off their worth. Keeping up with the Joneses is a silly game to play – there will always be someone else out there more successful than you. Mark Zuckerburg drives a $30,000 Acura, and Michelle Obama often wears Target. Nothing to prove – and more money in the bank to go towards bigger savings goals and investments.
2. Optimism
When you’re constantly negative or adopt the mindset that you’re undeserving of wealth or success, you’re closing yourself off to opportunity and attracting even more negativity into your life. The wealthy know that being positive and making the best of every situation enables you to better solve problems and not be sidetracked by small setbacks. More money does not lead to more happiness – but being a positive, happy person can certainly only help you on your road to success.
3. Persistence
The wealthy are able to accept that failure is a part of success, and they quickly turn those failures into lessons that push them to the top. Shifting focus from being upset about the things you’re unable to control to being proactive about the things you can control is a main trait of the successful. Many would tell you that the big “ah-ha” moment or closing deal happened the moment after many others would have given up. Thomas Edison famously said, “I haven’t failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” The wealthy know that being adaptable and never giving up are a big part of what they owe their success to.
4. Social connections
One of the biggest assets that the wealthy have are their relationships. They are pros at socializing, because they know that you never know who you’re going to meet and how that person may impact your life. Making time for people and doing favors helps to build connections with those who will return the favor and potentially help to advance your own career one day. Plus, spending time with other successful, like-minded people is a great way to stay motivated and get inspired.
5. Passion
Passion is that thing that the wealthy possess that pushes them to believe in the impossible. It is the drive and love of what they do that makes them the best at their trade, and in turn the most financially successful. When you don’t love your job, you’re not good at your job, and your pay will reflect the quality of work. When you’re inspired and passionate – you will create new opportunities that generally come with great pretty great payoffs. Steve Jobs was a perfect example of this. He was crazy, but he was passionate.
6. Intuition
The wealthy listen to their gut when it comes to making decisions. Instead of rationalizing things, if something feels right – they go for it. Even if everyone tells them it won’t work – the super successful know to follow their intuition. This goes hand in hand with being fearless and not doubting yourself – which is the trait that keeps people in mediocre, low-paying jobs (remember all of those amazing inventions you thought of?)
Sure, luck may play a part for some of the wealthy, but when it comes down to it – they are a special breed of people. They work hard, they’re dedicated and they’re grateful for what they have. These aren’t traits you’re born with – you can nurture them in yourself everyday and see what happens.
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