How to Study the Traits of Successful People

Following habits of other successful people can help make you more successful.

Successful people, no matter what they do for a living, tend to have similar core traits. They have definitive goals, an optimistic attitude, discipline and leadership qualities to guide their team in the right direction. Whether you are looking to move up in your current company or find a way to make more money, studying the traits of successful people helps set you up on a path to success.

Things You'll Need

• Notebook
• Pen
• Highlighter

Instructions

1. Determine which people are successful in your industry or at other businesses who are appealing to you. Study people who spark your interest. Following people who have personalities that you like makes it easier for you to adapt their traits into your own lifestyle.

2. Conduct interviews. Talk to executives, business owners, company presidents or other types of successful people. Observe behaviors or traits that you want to possess. If you can't schedule a one-on-one interview, ask for a phone interview or show up at a public conference. Ask questions about how this person got into the industry and what he had to do to move his way up.

3. Read books written by successful people. Often, the most wealthy, influential people want to share their stories. Business executives may have their own website or company newsletter to provide additional information.

4. Write a list of each quality you notice among successful people. Your list can be as short or as long as you need. Identify examples of decisiveness, ethics, dependability, communication and other common traits among successful people.

5. Make a list of your best qualities. Ask some of your friends or coworkers what your best attributes may be. This gives you a visual as to what personality traits you naturally possess. Odds are you already have some of the traits of successful people.

6. Compare your list of personal qualities to the trait list of successful people. Mark off which traits you have that are similar. Highlight qualities you need to work on or add.

7. Write down a game plan for how you plan to integrate the new traits into your everyday life. Make goals and set clear time lines. For example, if you need to work on building your public speaking skills, practice your next presentation in front of a mirror. Taking baby steps and figuring out ways to incorporate traits of successful people into your life a little at a time can help you achieve your personal or business goals.

References

• Simple Life Corp: 10 Most Important Attributes of Successful People
• Learn To Invest Money And Live Well: Traits of Successful People Who Invest and Prosper Despite all That Financial Investment Advice

Resources

• The Sports Journal; Desirable Qualities, Attributes, and Characteristics of Successful Athletic Trainers – A National Study; Timothy J. Henry et al.