10 signs you will be successful in life

Success is an elusive term that can be hard to define. But while success can look different from person to person, there are certain traits that are typically shared by the most successful people. By honing in these skills, you’ll be on the right track. 

Consider the following 10 signs you will be successful in life (with 10 pro tips to help you along the way):

1. You are laser focused on your goals.

It’s nearly impossible to reach your goals if you don’t clearly define them from the beginning. Successful people know that they need to have a clear vision of what it is they want to achieve, giving them a clear path to achieve that success. 

Pro tip: Visualize your goals, and most importantly, write them down. Create goals that are specific. Check back on them frequently to measure your progress.

2. You embrace change when it comes.

While successful people may plan and prepare for a variety of scenarios, they understand that change is inevitable (and usually inconvenient). To be successful, you must be able to tackle change when it comes instead of getting thrown off course. 

Pro tip: Practice a positive mindset when you’re next confronted with change. Look for ways that this change can benefit you. The faster you can accept and embrace the change that’s in front of you, the faster you can utilize it for your good.

3. You are accountable.

Successful people are willing to admit their faults and mistakes instead of hiding them. This skill will quickly make you more trustworthy among colleagues and peers. Successful people stand behind their good decisions confidently and recognize and correct their bad choices quickly. 

Pro tip: At work, ask for your expectations to be clearly outlined. And in life, follow the same strategy. Manage expectations within relationships and you’ll find that success follows. 

4. You work hard, and you enjoy working hard.

Successful people haven’t just achieved big things despite hating the journey to get there. It’s not only about grit (though having grit is still important at times), people who have found success in life actually enjoy working hard. They know how to grind, but they have an attitude of excitement toward working towards their goals. They enjoy the grind. 

Pro tip: Find projects that give you a spark. Learn about what motivates you, understand your strengths, and figure out what type of work you enjoy. If you need help, consider taking a personality test. If you can tailor the type of projects you work on to your strengths and interests, you’ll find it much easier to be successful.

5. You are a master at managing your time.

Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. To stand out above the rest you need to be efficient with your time. If you can be disciplined and plan your schedule effectively, you will set yourself up for success.

Pro tip: Find a calendar system that works for you and track everything with it—all your appointments, work, focus time, and tasks. Whether you track your schedule in a Google calendar, a phone app, or a physical planner, keeping everything in one place will help you manage your time better.

6. Your mindset is optimistic and proactive.

A mindset that is both optimistic and proactive is invaluable (and it’s a trait shared among successful people). With an optimistic mindset, people become resilient after setbacks because they believe things can work out next time. Combine that with a proactive spirit and successful people both believe they can achieve and will take the steps necessary to get there. 

Pro tip: Practice an optimistic mindset through practicing gratitude. By recognizing the good in your life, optimistic thinking can become more second nature. Work to challenge negative thinking and tell yourself you can achieve—and soon you’ll find yourself believing it (and seeing it).

7. You have people skills.

Successful people check their own egos and recognize and accept others’ skills and strengths. They also know how to communicate well with people, how to recognize their own limitations and ask for help, and how to take the lead when necessary and appropriate. 

Pro tip: Make a list of the strengths you recognize in people around you and practice asking for help from someone in an area you have a weakness. Learning to recognize the need for collaboration is crucial on the path to success.

8. You are always learning.

The most successful people recognize how much they don’t know. There is always more to learn, and the attitude of constantly looking for new knowledge and ways to improve helps successful people continue to be successful (and never become stagnant). Successful people learn a lot more by never graduating to “I know enough.” 

Pro tip: Find a subject that you would like to learn more about and set aside time to devote to learning. You could choose something adjacent to your current field, so you can expand your knowledge and skill set in your work. Utilize resources such as LinkedIn Learning or other courses to help. 

9. You bravely take (calculated) risks.

Successful people are not reckless and spontaneous, but they don’t shy away from taking occasional, calculated risks. They are brave enough to make a difficult decision or a sacrifice if they can see the long-term benefits. Weigh the pros and cons of a risk and take the leap when the odds are in your favor and you’ll likely be rewarded.

Pro tip: The next time a potential risk presents itself, carefully list out the details. Evaluate the possible outcomes—decide if the potential reward is worth the risk and if you can handle the loss if the risk didn’t work out. 

10. You invest in yourself.

At the end of the day, all you really have to propel you towards your goals is yourself—you are your own greatest asset. Successful people understand this, and invest in themselves. They take care of themselves, they are kind to themselves, and they buy into their vision.

Pro tip: Be honest with yourself and identify an area where you are lacking, then take steps to improve it. Maybe you need to get more sleep, or obtain a certification you’ve been putting off, or start investing financially for your future.

Need more resources? Check out these links:

How to ask your boss for a raise or promotion

How to make your job application stand out

The definitive guide to negotiating your salary

The top 5 best job search engines for people in tech

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