1. Self-Motivation.
They get started.
Do you remember the famous story of the really successful business owner that sketched out their idea and then waited patiently until someone asked about it and gave them permission to try it? Me neither.
Sara Blakely didn’t wait on her product idea. She went through the process of filing the patent herself, found someone to help her create the samples (after a ton of rejection), and then cold-called her way to getting in front of the decision-makers at the big retail stores who finally bought her product.
It’s been said that 80% of success is showing up. That’s true. Successful people start.
2. Courage.
They’re willing to fail.
Many people don’t know that Disneyland's opening day, July 17, 1955, was a total disaster. Rides broke down. They ran out of food and drinks. People were able to counterfeit tickets to the invite-only event. Cars were backed up seven miles to get into the park. It was called, “Walt’s Folly” by the media.
Abraham Lincoln ran for office and lost numerous times. Beyoncé lost on "Star Search." Jerry Seinfeld was booed off stage.
Most successful people, even the truly exceptional ones, were told they were crazy, laughed at, mocked, and doubted even by those closest to them but they kept going.
They're willing to fail... all the way to success.
3. Leadership.
They enlist others in the cause.
Inventor Thomas Edison had hundreds of people working for him in his labs. Elon Musk, while arguably a genius on his own, has some of the greatest engineering minds on the planet at SpaceX and Tesla. We all saw the same with Steve Jobs.
The founders of WildAid have a goal: end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes. They've convinced a ton of celebrities to help by starring in public awareness campaigns around the world. The enlisted the help of former pro basketball player Yao Ming who created a video where he educates viewers that the trading of ivory is now banned in China to help bring an end to the horrific poaching of
elephants.
Successful people have the ability to recruit amazing people around them and get them working towards their vision. Successful people get help. Solopreneurs reach out and join masterminds, get coaches, and hire experts. They don't think alone.
Wait.
Are there other attributes? Better ones than these three? You could make a list a mile long including:
• Determination.
• Talent.
• Focus.
• Passion.
• Tenacity.
• Discipline.
There are so many people, in different areas of life, around the world who are massively successful in their own way.
Is there a perfect, ideal recipe? I don’t think so.
But, no matter who they are or what they’ve done there is one undeniable thing they ALL have in common. #1 on my list: they started. As David Viscott said, "If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed."
By the way, Sara Blakely is the billionaire founder of the women’s brand, Spanx.
