6 Qualities of Truly Successful People
I’ve always been fascinated by successful people—not just those who are wealthy, but those who have their lives together. The ones with thriving marriages, strong relationships with their kids, successful businesses, and a long-term vision for the future.
Over the years, I’ve studied what sets these individuals apart. Many assume success comes from luck or privilege, but what’s often overlooked is the dedication to self-mastery behind the scenes. If you’re looking to elevate your own life, here are six qualities you can start developing today.
1. They Embrace Lifelong Learning
Did you know that most people never pick up another book with the intent to learn after graduating from high school or college? That blows my mind! We live in an era where learning is more accessible than ever—books, podcasts, online courses, and videos are all at our fingertips.
My husband is a perfect example of what it means to be a lifelong learner. A high school and college dropout, he once believed that learning just wasn’t “his thing.” But in 2000, shortly after we got married, he decided to teach himself how to type using Mavis Beacon. Two years later, he picked up a Programming for Dummies book from Barnes & Noble.
Coming from a construction background, programming seemed like a completely foreign world. Yet, through sheer determination, he taught himself how to code. Fast forward 20 years, and he’s now a senior software engineer earning a six-figure salary with recruiters reaching out to him daily. And his learning hasn’t stopped there—he’s dived into medical research, real estate, construction, and even foreign languages.
If you feel stuck, the best thing you can do is borrow someone else’s brain. Learn from their experiences through books, courses, or mentorships. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—just start absorbing knowledge today. Better yet absorb something that is going to change your future outcome.
2. They Prioritize Their Physical Health
I know, I know—exercise feels like a chore. But let’s reframe the way we think about it. Most people imagine fitness as going to the gym, lifting weights, or running on a treadmill. But what if it’s as simple as stepping outside for a 20-minute walk?
Movement doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with what feels good to you—whether it’s walking, yoga, hiking, or dancing. The key is to move your body daily. Not only does exercise improve digestion, sleep, and mental clarity, but it also builds confidence and self-trust.
The consistency of showing up for yourself physically translates into other areas of life. Successful people understand that taking care of their bodies isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good and showing up as their best selves.
3. They Surround Themselves With Other Successful People
There’s a saying: You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. The company you keep influences your mindset, habits, and success.
When I was younger, I had to make a conscious decision to change my friend group. The people I was hanging out with didn’t share my values or vision for the future. It was hard, but I knew I had to surround myself with people who inspired me rather than held me back.
Successful people intentionally build relationships with others who uplift, challenge, and push them toward their goals. If you’re surrounded by negativity, it will inevitably impact your outlook. Choose wisely who you allow into your inner circle. If you struggle with setting boundaries with those closest to you, coaching can be an incredibly powerful tool!
4. They Prioritize Their Own Goals
Many people live as pawns in someone else’s chess game. They let their teachers, bosses, spouses, or even society dictate their direction. But successful people become their own chess masters—they take control of their lives and pursue what truly matters to them.
I’ve always wanted to create something meaningful in my life. Over the years, I’ve faced skepticism and disbelief from friends and family about my ambitions. I had to decide whether their doubts would extinguish my flame or fuel my fire. I chose the latter.
If you want to succeed, make your goals a priority. Don’t let someone else’s vision for your life take precedence over your own.
5. They Get an Early Start
“Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” It turns out, Benjamin Franklin was onto something.
There’s something powerful about the quiet hours of the morning. With fewer distractions, it feels like you can accomplish twice as much. When we traveled the U.S. in our camper, I loved being in the Eastern Time Zone because it felt like I had extra hours before the rest of the country woke up. Even now, when I commit to an early start, I see a noticeable boost in my productivity and focus.
If you struggle with time management, try waking up just 30 minutes earlier to work on your goals. Over time, those small chunks of extra time add up to significant progress.
6. They Take Time to Reflect and Process
Introspection is one of the most underutilized tools we all have access to. Successful people don’t just go and do—they stop to analyze what’s working, what’s not, and how they can improve.
Think about past experiences that have shaped you:
- What lessons did you learn from a difficult breakup?
- How did your first job shape your work ethic?
- What did you gain from walking away from a toxic friendship?
Every experience—good or bad—has something to teach you. But if you never take the time to reflect, you miss out on those valuable lessons.
Meditation, journaling, and quiet time are powerful tools for self-awareness. They allow you to process your experiences, realign your priorities, and stay on track toward your goals.
Final Thoughts
Success isn’t just about wealth or status—it’s about mastering your own life. If you want to elevate your success, start by developing these six habits:
- Embrace lifelong learning.
- Prioritize your physical health.
- Surround yourself with the right people.
- Take control of your own goals.
- Start your day early.
- Reflect and process regularly.
Which of these qualities do you already embody? Which ones do you want to work on? Start small, stay consistent, and watch your life transform!
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