Guest blogger – Francisco Saraiva – part I
“Many of life’s failures are people who do not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
-Sir Thomas A. Edison
What is the measure of success? Is it the fame that goes with it? The unending applause? Or the fortune that one reaps? As we journey through life, we come face to face with all kinds of people. Some are only acquaintances, we met in passing. There are others where we get life’s significant learning experiences. And quite a few who leaves footprints embedded in our hearts.
From these people, we find different stories of success. What is consistent to them? What characteristics are unique to them to be what they are today? Outlined here are ten habits on most successful people that I meet.
They are optimistic. The optimist sees the doughnut, the pessimist the hole. Successful people look for opportunities and find them when others see nothing. For successful people the glass is always half full. They don’t have time to dwell on negative things around them.
They have the drive to succeed. While most people are laying on the couch thinking, sitting with their hands cupped on their chin, successful people are out there to get the job done. They shape success by continuously doing their job. They consciously and methodically create their own success while others hope success will come and find them. The famous Woody Allen once said, “Eighty percent of success is showing up.”
They maximize their potential. Distinguished author Stephen King said, “Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” Every person has an innate talent, but it is a matter of how one makes good use of it. Through practice and hard work, successful people maximize their potential.
They are committed and disciplined. Successful people finish what they start. Even when all the excitement and novelty had gone down, even when it is already no longer fun, they stick their heads out and get things done.
They have integrity and are honest. Practice what you preach. The dignity of their name is important to them. Theirs cannot be bought. In the same way that they are honest individuals, successful people admit mistakes, have the courage to face and correct them. This way, they would be the best examples to others in their field.
