Top Ten Success Traits

Discover the characteristics of successful people - the qualities, traits and habits that make them successful.

Table of Contents:

1. Baby Steps
2. Feature Article: TOP 10 SUCCESS TRAITS
3. Quotes
4. Recommended Resources: Personal Development
5. Self-Care
6. Final Thoughts

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1. Baby Steps

Well, here it is... the inaugural issue of the LifeExcellence
Newsletter. This seems more like a quantum leap than a baby
step. But it is movement in the direction of helping people to
grow - to be the best they can be. If we manage to accomplish
that, then we will have accomplished our goal.

I hope you enjoy it!

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2. Feature Article: TOP 10 SUCCESS TRAITS

I am often asked about the characteristics of successful people -
the qualities, traits and habits that make them successful. Those
who ask wonder (1) if there are indeed common habits or traits
that can be linked to success, and (2) whether they could achieve
some level of success by applying those qualities. The answer to
both questions is YES!

The characteristics below are not all-inclusive. But they are all
important, if not the most important, ingredients for success.

Here's my list:

1. Dreams. Successful people are dreamers, and they dream big
dreams. Their success starts with a vision that is too exciting
to remain just a dream. Successful people must see their
dream materialize, and they do whatever it takes to make that
happen.

2. Enthusiasm. Successful people are extremely enthusiastic
about what they do. In fact, this passion is what drives them
to do what they do. And achievement toward their dream
feeds the enthusiasm even more. Not only will passion drive
you, but your enthusiasm will have a positive effect on others,
as well.

3. Goals. Nothing happens until a goal is established. Without
goals, people wander around aimlessly, wondering why they
have not accomplished their desired results. Goals have been
called "dreams with deadlines", and having them helps
successful people to stay on course while achieving their
dreams.

4. Decision. In order to be successful, you must decide to do so.
Almost all confusion is the result of indecision, from not
deciding on a course of action. Successful people decide,
recognizing that even to make a wrong decision is better
than to make no decision at all. They adjust, then stay the
course.

5. Action-orientation. How many great ideas have you had, but
not acted upon? Then, two months later, you discover that
someone else has "taken" your idea. It is better to act on a
mediocre idea than to not act on a great one. Successful
people know this, and act accordingly.

6. Definiteness of purpose. Successful people know what they
want, and have a burning desire to possess it. They are laser-
focused on the achievement of their goals.

7. Persistence. Everyone meets with adversity, hardship and
opposition. Successful people use these setbacks as stepping
stones, rather than stumbling blocks, to propel them forward.
Recognize that defeat is temporary, and that persistence will
overcome adversity.

8. Surrounded by winners. Successful people surround
themselves with other successful people. Other "winners"
can serve as a support group, or an idea group. They can
challenge your thoughts, encourage you and provide useful
feedback. And you can do the same for them. In addition to
friends and colleagues, you can also utilize experts in your
field by attending seminars, reading books and listening to
tapes.

9. Faith. Those who are successful expect success, and believe
that they will succeed. This confident faith in their abilities,
and in their ideas, removes the limitations created by doubt
and fear. When you believe, your mind will help you find
ways to accomplish your goal.

10. Integrity. Many would argue that people can be, and have
been, successful despite their lack of moral character. My
response is that, while they may be successful in a particular
area of their life, they are not "successful people". Sooner
or later, the person who lacks integrity will suffer for it.
True success, in my opinion, cannot be achieved without it.

If you have been successful in applying these characteristics,
please share your story with us! And if there are other traits that
you think should have been included, please email me. I'd love
to hear from you! brian@lifeexcellence.com.

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3. Quotes

Do your best every day and your life will gradually expand into
satisfying fullness.
- Horotio W. Dresser

To have more than what you've got, become more than you are.
- Jim Rohn

All success is, really, is having a predetermined plan and carrying
it out successfully over a long period of time.
- Harvey Mackay

If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound
ourselves.
- Thomas Edison

You can accomplish virtually any goal you set for yourself, as
long as the goal is clear and you persist long enough.
- Brian Tracy

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4. Recommended Resources: Personal Development

Think and Grow Rich
by Napolean Hill

This is one of the classics of personal development literature,
and is a "must read" if you are serious about achieving your
goals.
To order tape set, click here
To order book, click here

Awaken the Giant Within
by Anthony Robbins

The creator of acclaimed personal achievement programs and
the author of the best-selling Unlimited Power reveals the
proven steps to self-mastery. Robbins shares the secrets of his
exclusive "Date with Destiny" seminars, describing how
unconscious beliefs control our behavior and how we can make
immediate changes to accomplish our goals.
To order book, click here

Maximum Achievement
by Brian Tracy

A renowned motivational expert presents his powerful and
pragmatic lessons to help readers reach peak performance,
personally and professionally. Tracy's straightforward advice
is accompanied by easy-to-do exercises and enhanced with
inspiring stories of successful, highly motivated achievers in
many fields.
To order book, click here

The Psychology of Achievement
by Brian Tracy

This remarkable program reveals strategies to elevate your
income, put your career on the fast track and accomplish more
than you ever dreamed possible.
To order tape set, click here

Lead the Field
by Earl Nightingale

Earl Nightingale's timeless classic has arguably changed more
lives and created more millionaires than any other cassette
program ever produced. Order it today, and start moving into
the top 5% of the world's earners.
To order tape set, click here

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5. Self-Care

Did you know that up to 70% of cancers can be avoided?
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research,
lifestyle decisions are more important than genetics in
determining who gets cancer - and who doesn't.

By paying attention to four lifestyle factors - diet, weight
control, physical activity and not smoking, you can avoid 60%
to 70% of all malignancies. Here are some specific
recommendations:

1. Eat a plant-based diet. This is the single most important
thing you can do to lower cancer risk. At a minimum, reduce
portions of meat, and eat at least five servings per day of
fruits or vegetables.

2. Maintain a healthful weight, and be physically active.
Exercise at least three times per week, for a minimum of
20 minutes. Start by walking, and build from there.

3. Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. If you drink, limit
consumption to no more than one drink a day for women,
two for men.

4. Limit intake of fat and salt. Avoid animal fat and
hydrogenated fat (found in shortening and margerine), and
use only a moderate amount of monunsaturated oils, such
as olive and canola.

5. Avoid tobacco in any form.

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6. Final Thoughts: "SUCCESS" IS A RELATIVE TERM

The rich industrialist from the North was horrified to find the
southern fisherman lying lazily beside his boat, smoking a pipe.

"Why aren't you out fishing?" asked the industrialist.

"Because I have caught enough fish for the day," answered the
fisherman.

"Why don't you catch some more?"

"What would I do with them?"

"You could earn more money," was the industrialist's reply.

"With that you could have a motor fixed to your boat and go
into deeper waters and catch more fish. Then you would make
enough to buy nylon nets. These would bring you more fish
and more money. Soon you would have enough money to own
two boats . . . maybe even a fleet of boats. Then you would be
a rich man like me."

"What would I do then?" asked the fisherman.

"Then you could really enjoy life."

"What do you think I am doing right now?"

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Thank you for reading the LifeExcellence Newsletter.
Make this week EXTRAORDINARY!
- Brian Bartes
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