People who are genuinely successful in life usually share these 9 traits

Success — it’s a word that carries a lot of weight.

We often equate it with happiness, fulfillment, and a sense of accomplishment.

But what does it really mean to be genuinely successful in life?

This question has been on my mind for quite some time.

According to my observations and experiences, people who are genuinely successful in life usually share certain traits.

So, what are these traits? 

In this article, I’m going to share with you 9 traits that I’ve noticed are common among genuinely successful people.

1) They’re resilient in the face of adversity

Life is full of ups and downs, isn’t it?

And let’s be honest, it’s during those low moments – the challenging times, the failures – that our true character is tested.

People who are genuinely successful in life, they’ve been through these tough times. They’ve faced adversity and come out stronger on the other side.

These individuals understand that failure isn’t the end, but rather another step towards success.

Instead of wallowing in self-pity or letting failure derail their plans, they see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. 

That’s resilience for you.

And it’s this ability to bounce back from adversity that sets genuinely successful people apart.

2) They practice Emotional Intelligence

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “Emotional Intelligence” a thousand times. 

Well, it’s a concept that has gained significant attention in the world of psychology and self-improvement over the last few decades.

Simply put, Emotional Intelligence (EI) refers to our ability to understand, manage, and effectively express our own feelings, as well as to engage and navigate successfully with those of others.

Not just a buzzword, EI is a crucial component of genuine success.

Why, you ask?

Well, people who have high emotional intelligence are often better at managing stress, resolving conflicts, and interacting with others.

They are adept at reading the room and understanding the emotional climate in a situation.

What’s more, they tend to be more empathetic and are able to build stronger relationships – a key ingredient in achieving success in any aspect of life.

3) They’re not afraid to show vulnerability

While emotional intelligence is all about understanding and managing emotions, there’s another aspect that genuinely successful people embody – vulnerability.

Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t vulnerability a sign of weakness?”

Well, contrary to popular belief, showing vulnerability is actually a strength.

In fact, it’s a form of courage.

The thing is that when you show vulnerability, you’re open about your feelings, your fears, and your failures.

And this, in turn, means that you’re showing your true self, even when it’s uncomfortable or scary.

People who are genuinely successful understand this. They don’t put up a facade of invincibility.

Instead, they’re honest about their struggles and their shortcomings.

4) They have a clear sense of purpose

Let’s think about one important thing for a while:

What is something that drives you? What gets you out of bed in the morning?

For genuinely successful people, the answer to these questions often lies in a clear sense of purpose. They’re not just drifting through life, letting the current take them wherever it may.

Instead, they have a clear vision for their lives, and they’re proactive in moving towards it.

The simple truth is that having a purpose gives direction to their actions and decisions. It fuels their motivation and keeps them going even when times are tough.

Whether it’s a career goal, a personal aspiration, or a cause they’re passionate about, this purpose acts as their North Star – guiding them towards genuine success.

5) They value personal growth

Genuinely successful people understand that growth isn’t just an outcome, it’s a journey.

They are committed to personal development and constantly strive to better themselves. This tendency is the reason they see life as a learning experience and make the most of it.

Here are some ways successful people do this:

• They read widely and voraciously to expand their knowledge.
• They seek feedback and use it to improve.
• They step out of their comfort zone to try new things.
• They reflect on their experiences, both good and bad.

Impressive, right?

Well, this continuous pursuit of growth keeps them evolving and moving forward on their path to genuine success.

6) They cultivate positive relationships

I believe that no one achieves success in isolation.

We all need a supportive network of people who believe in us, challenge us, and help us grow.

The thing that makes genuinely successful people stand out is their appreciation of the value of positive relationships.

In simple terms, they surround themselves with people who inspire them, uplift them, and push them to be better.

They don’t aim to have a large number of acquaintances. Not at all.

For them, it’s about having a select few relationships that are meaningful and enriching.

Let’s not forget that these relationships work both ways.

Successful individuals also invest their time and energy into supporting others and contributing to their success.

7) They practice gratitude

Imagine waking up every morning and taking a moment to appreciate the good in your life.

How do you think that would impact your day?

People who are genuinely successful in life often have a regular practice of gratitude. They take the time to acknowledge the positive things in their life, whether big or small.

Gratitude helps them maintain a positive perspective, even when faced with challenges.

It boosts their happiness and overall well-being, which in turn contributes to their success.

So, do you often find yourself appreciating what you have, rather than focusing on what you lack?

Do you take moments to reflect on the good in your life?

If so, then you’re practicing one of the key habits of genuinely successful individuals.

8) They maintain a healthy work-life balance

A few years ago, a close friend of mine was quickly climbing the corporate ladder.

She was successful by all traditional measures – a high-paying job, a prestigious title, and respect from her peers.

But there was a problem.

She was always working, always on call, and her personal life suffered greatly. Simply put, she rarely had time for family or hobbies.

Eventually, she realized that her so-called success was costing her too much.

The result?

She made changes to prioritize her personal life and found a healthier balance between work and play.

Today, she’s not only successful in her career but also enjoys a rich personal life.

Her example makes me sure that genuinely successful people understand the importance of this balance.

And if you’re able to strike this balance in your life, then you’re embodying one of the key traits of genuine success.

9) They are authentically themselves

Here we are, at the final point.

If there’s one thing that genuinely successful people have in common, it’s authenticity.

They are true to themselves.

This means that these people don’t pretend to be someone they’re not or try to fit into a mold that society has created for them.

This is what happens when you know your values, your strengths, and your weaknesses.

Yes, you naturally start to embrace your uniqueness and use it as a strength.

What’s the takeaway here?

Being authentic means being comfortable in your own skin, living your truth, and not being afraid to show the world who you really are.

What’s your definition of success?

As we close, I invite you to reflect on your own journey towards success.

Everyone’s journey to success is unique. What works for one person may not work for another.

So it’s essential to define what success means to you personally.

Here are a few questions that might help you do that:

• What are your personal and professional goals?
• What values are most important to you?
• What kind of person do you want to become?

Take a moment to reflect on these questions.

Remember, genuine success is not accidental. It’s the result of consistently nurturing specific traits.

The journey may be challenging, but it’s also rewarding, transformative, and deeply fulfilling.