How Successful People Operate?

Success is often viewed as a mysterious, elusive quality that only a lucky few can attain. However, when we closely analyse this trait, we observe a set of common habits that distinguish success from the failure. These habits are not necessarily innate traits but with practice one can develop and incorporate into his/her daily life. By understanding and applying these habits, one can take meaningful steps toward personal success in life’s endeavors.

There’s another popular belief that success only comes through hard work. This is not necessary a valid argument. Smart people simply found smarter ways to achieve their goals, without getting bogged down in constant grind. Curious about these habits?

Let’s unravel them together. In this article, we’ll delve into the patterns that drive their success.

1. SMART Goals

Successful people know where they are headed. They have a clear vision of what they want to achieve so they work diligently to accomplish their goals. Setting SMART (specific, attainable, realistic and measurable) goals provides direction and motivation, transforming abstract ideas into tangible objectives. Without clear goals, it’s easy to lose focus or feel overwhelmed by the vastness of possibilities.

However, setting goals is just the beginning. The critical component that distinguishes highly successful people from others is their ability to take consistent and effective action. They break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks and dedicate time each day to complete them. These small, incremental actions build momentum over time, creating a sense of progress and fulfillment that drives them to continue.

2. Growth Mindset

Highly successful people often have a growth mindset. They view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as obstacles to success. This mindset, first introduced by the Psychologist Carol Dweck that makes a powerful difference. It transforms problems into learning experiences and failures into stepping stones. Adopting this approach doesn’t necessarily mean working harder, but Smarter.

Instead, it requires one to work smarter by learning from experiences and applying that knowledge to future situations. In this age, it is all about lifelong learning. It’s about seeing the world as a classroom where every experience, good or bad, offers an opportunity for growth. And this approach can often lead to success without the need for relentless hard work.

3. Lifelong Learning

Here comes the champion habit. This one is the defining trait of highly successful people is their commitment to lifelong learning and self-improvement. They recognize that the world is constantly changing, and to stay ahead, they need to continuously acquire new knowledge and skills. This mindset keeps them adaptable and open to new opportunities.

Highly successful people read and take courses, to expand their knowledge and improve their skills. They also learn from their failures, seeing them as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. This attitude allows them to build resilience and use challenges as stepping stones to success. Also, let’s make a deliberate effort not to be afraid to step out of the comfort zone to enter the growth zone.

4. Networking

Success isn’t just about accumulating wealth or being famous or getting popularity. It’s actually about networking and relationships we cultivate along the way. Highly successful people understand this and make an effort to nurture these connections. They know that relationships fuel our journey, providing support, inspiration, and opportunities. They invest in their relationships — with family, friends, colleagues, mentors, and even with themselves.

We must keep an eye on this aspect in our lives. The times when we’re most successful are also the times when our relationships are strongest. When we feel supported and connected, we’re able to reach higher and achieve more. Let’s take time to connect with the people we are surrounded with. Show appreciation, offer support, listen, and be present. These simple acts not only enrich our lives but this can also pave the way for success that feels effortless.

5. Learn to Say ‘NO’

I have seen many people really struggle with saying ‘No’. They fear being left out, or disappointing others simply by saying ‘NO’. But here’s something astonishing: Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors of all time, once said that: “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”

This habit is not about being uncooperative, ruthless, or difficult. It’s about understanding one’s limits and choosing their commitments wisely. They understand that saying ‘Yes’ to everything is not sustainable or productive. By saying ‘No’ to tasks or projects that are not aligned with their goals, they preserve their time and energy for what truly matters.

Take Aways

Precisely, the journey to success is not an overnight trip, nor is it a result of sheer luck. It is the product of deliberate actions, consistent efforts, and the adoption of habits that drive growth and achievement. The five habits discussed above are cornerstones that highly successful people rely on to achieve their aspirations. The good news is that these habits are not restricted to a select few. Anyone willing to put in the effort can incorporate them into their own lives.

Let’s start by being intentional and action oriented, having a growth mindset, committing to continuous learning, valuing the relationships, and learning to say NO with a smile and explanation. With persistence and dedication, these habits can transform our lives and lead us towards our own definition of success. By emulating these practices, we can create a solid foundation that supports our journey to success.

About the Author

Muhammad Sajwani is a C-Level HR, Transformation Leader, Board Advisor, Business Coach & Organisational Consultant and Managing Director, Evolve HR. He is an author, columnist and a contributor who besides writing for LinkedIn and Medium, also regularly writes for BizCatalyst 360 and has published around 500 articles. He brings along 30+ years of local & international experience. He is a change catalyst specializing in unleashing the human Dreamgenius through Leadership, Creativity and Change Management. Muhammad has been instrumental in helping organizations come to terms with organizational changes like right-sizing and business process re-engineering. His innovative approach & high personal competence encourages people to not only accept change, but also to excel in it. Muhammad has diverse experience in conducting strategic & management development programs, conferences & events for organisations across sectors. In recognition of his long outstanding services, Global HR Professionals — GHRP & Artificial Intelligence Community of Pakistan awarded him the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in the year 2024.