How to Know You Will Be Extraordinarily Successful.
9 Things Incredibly Successful People Do Differently
Guest Post by Jeff Haden | Used with permission from Blackbird Inc.
Introduction
It’s not that hard to be successful. But achieving extraordinary success—the kind that leaves a lasting impact—is a different game altogether. Success means different things to different people, and it should be defined individually.
Unfortunately, there’s no magic formula for exceptional success. However, there are some common qualities shared by remarkably successful people, especially those who positively impact others.
Here are nine qualities that stand out:
1. You Find Happiness in the Success of Others
Great teams succeed when their members sacrifice personal goals for the team’s happiness and success. Talented people help each other, value team success over individual accomplishments, and understand their roles within the team.
Where does this attitude start? With you.
Every successful person answers the question, “Can you find happiness in the success of others?” with a resounding Yes!
2. You Relentlessly Seek New Experiences
Novelty seeking—constantly pursuing new challenges and getting bored easily—is sometimes linked to reckless behavior. But, as Dr. Robert Cloninger explains:
“Novelty seeking keeps you healthy, fosters personality growth, and helps you stay happy as you age.”
When curiosity is paired with persistence and selflessness, it leads to creativity that benefits society. Successful people thrive on trying new things, knowing that exploration brings fulfillment and growth.
So embrace your inner adventurer—you’ll be healthier, make more friends, and live a more satisfying life.
3. You Don’t Think in Terms of Work-Life Balance; You Just Think Life
The idea of separating work from life is difficult, if not impossible. Why? Because your business and life are intertwined.
Incredibly successful people find ways to integrate family, hobbies, and personal values into their business. They live life in a way that encompasses both personal and professional elements. If you can’t do that, you’re not really living—you’re just working.
4. You’re Incredibly Empathetic
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or leader, success comes from solving problems and fulfilling needs. And doing so requires empathy—the ability to understand what others need and feel.
Truly exceptional leaders go further—they put themselves in the shoes of their employees, not just their customers. Success isn’t just a line trending upwards; it’s a circle where your achievements always come back to the people you serve and work with.
5. You Have Something to Prove—To Yourself
While many people are motivated to prove others wrong, incredibly successful people aim to prove something even more important—to themselves.
True motivation comes from an inner drive to meet your own standards and goals, not just to silence critics.
6. You Ignore the 40-Hour Workweek Hype
Studies say that working beyond 40 hours per week reduces productivity. But successful people don’t just work smarter—they work harder.
Consider this story about Robert Kennedy: While working late on a case against Jimmy Hoffa, Kennedy noticed Hoffa’s office lights were still on. Instead of going home, he returned to his desk to keep working.
The reality is, talent alone isn’t enough. Success demands hard work, persistence, and a relentless commitment to outworking the competition.
7. You See Money as a Responsibility, Not a Reward
Some entrepreneurs fall into the trap of excessive spending, but successful people view money differently. They see it as a tool to:
- Grow their business
- Reward employees
- Give back to the community
More importantly, they don’t seek recognition for their contributions. They understand that the reward lies in the act of giving, not in public applause.
8. You Don’t Think You’re Special
In today’s world, it’s easy to become your own PR agent and boast about your achievements. But truly successful people are humble. They acknowledge that their success comes not only from ambition and hard work but also from:
- Key mentors
- Talented employees
- A little luck along the way
Rather than seeking validation, they ask questions, seek advice, and recognize others for their contributions.
9. You Know Success is Fleeting, But Dignity and Respect Last Forever
While better pay and benefits matter, they can’t compensate for damage to a person’s self-esteem.
The most important thing successful people provide—whether to employees, customers, or vendors—is dignity and respect.
When you treat people with dignity, everything else—success, loyalty, and opportunities—naturally follows.
Conclusion
These nine principles won’t guarantee success, but they are consistent traits shared by those who achieve extraordinary things. Whether it’s about valuing others’ success, embracing curiosity, or finding fulfillment in life rather than work, these habits shape remarkable individuals and leaders.
End of Guest Post.