12 Traits of High Achievers

So often we talk about what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. But the things that make entrepreneurs succeed are the same things that work for just about anyone who wants to move up the ladder in their career – whatever the type of work. High achievers all have similar traits – even if they work for someone else. This is a partial list. If you really want to drill down, you can probably add another 10-20 items. So, what sets the top 1% apart? What qualities do they have that allow them to achieve results that most others can only dream of?

Quality #1: They Believe in Themselves

Almost all high-achievers share an unshakeable belief in themselves. They know that they have what it takes to succeed, no matter the circumstances. This self-confidence allows them to take risks and make decisions others would be too afraid to make.

Quality #2: They Have a Clear Vision

They also have a clear vision of what they want to achieve. They know exactly where they’re going, and they’re not afraid to put in the work to get there. This focus and determination separate them from those who fail.

Quality #3: They Build Strong Relationships

High achievers know they can’t do it all alone and are not afraid to ask for help. They build strong relationships with other industry professionals and always look for ways to help each other succeed.

Quality #4: They’re Protective of Their Time and the Time of Others

They know that time is one of the most valuable commodities in business, and they use it wisely. They’re not afraid to say “no” to things that won’t help them achieve their goals. They make sure that their organization also does not waste time.

Quality #5: They Never Stop Learning

They’re always looking for new ways to improve their business and themselves. They understand that learning from others who have more experience than them will help them accelerate success.

Quality #6: They’re Risk Takers

This trait applies more to entrepreneurs than those who work for others, but in general, leaders are not afraid of risk. While some people shy away from risk, successful people understand that it’s a necessary part of doing business. You will also find that a high percentage of successful people have failed a lot. Not all risky moves work out, and failure is part of the deal. High achievers learn from their mistakes and come back even stronger.

Quality #7: They’re Decisive

Time is often of the essence in business, and they make decisions quickly. They don’t second-guess themselves or hesitate when it comes to making a decision.

Quality #8: They Care About Solving Problems

Top leaders treat everyone around them as customers – even if

they are insiders. They don’t see dollar signs; they care about the issues and people around them and work hard to solve their problems. They focus on the problem – not the emotion and are great at finding win-win solutions.

Quality #9: They Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is huge when it comes to performing at a top level. Successful people use their time and minds efficiently. They know exactly what they will do the following day because they plan ahead. This enables them to maximize every opportunity that comes their way. They know that they’ll likely miss out on something important if they don’t have a plan.

Quality #10: They Don’t Make Excuses

Leaders have a process for what they do, and they trust the process. But when things go wrong, they take responsibility and find a way to fix it. They don’t blame others or make excuses for their own mistakes. Instead, they learn from them and move on. Instead of focusing on excuses, high achievers create solutions.

Quality #11: They Ask Questions

Successful people tend to do more asking and less talking. They value input from others but are not afraid to use that input to quickly make a decision and move on. They’re not afraid to ask for help when they need it. And they’re always looking for ways to learn more about the business. By constantly asking questions, they gain the knowledge and wisdom they need to succeed.

Quality #12: They’re Persistent

High achievers never give up, even when the going gets tough. They know that success is often just around the corner, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it.