Success comes in all shapes, sizes, and timelines. Walt Disney’s first animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, was an instant hit. It debuted to a worldwide audience in 1937, won several major awards, and catapulted Disney as an entertainment giant. Other people, like author Harper Lee, struggled before making it big. She wrote for years without accolade before To Kill A Mockingbird caught major attention in 1960. Both of these creators had qualities of successful people.
We all want to be successful. Success can provide a sense of accomplishment, personal happiness, and, for some, influence. While many desire it, not everyone finds it. According to SelfPublishingUs.com, 97% of people who start writing a book will not complete it. The Small Business Administration (SBA) says about one in five new businesses fail in their first year. But don’t get discouraged. Success is always possible, even if it isn’t always instant. Here are the 3 P’s required for success.
1. Perseverance
In quarterback Case Keenum’s book Playing for More: Trust Beyond What You Can See, he wrote, “I spent my first pro season on the Houston Texans practice squad. Then, even after I had the opportunity to start eight games for the Texans in my second season, I was released the following offseason. My pro career has had plenty of ups and downs. I’ve had to earn every snap I’ve ever gotten.”
You probably aren’t aiming to throw NFL passes, but you can learn from Keenum’s example. Perseverance is a necessary ingredient to success, no matter what you’re aiming to accomplish. Businesses fail. Relationships become strained. Goals will feel out of reach. But successful people stick with it. They expect setbacks to come, plan for them, and try not to be overwhelmed when they arrive. You know they’re coming. Before they do, promise yourself you will strive to endure them. That’s one of the qualities of successful people.
2. Patience
Usain Bolt is probably the most recognized sprinter in world history. He won eight Olympic gold medals in his career and owns multiple world records on the track. His name is synonymous with speed, yet he’s preached the importance of taking things slow. Bolt once said, “I trained four years to run nine seconds and people give up when they don’t see results in two months.” Patience matters because without it, nobody succeeds at goals. When things get hard, stay the course.
3. Persistence
John Elway is a Hall of Fame quarterback who many believe is one of the best to ever play the position. Early in his career, he guided his Denver Broncos to three Super Bowls in four years but lost them all. He continued pushing himself and his teammates to be better. He eventually wrapped up his career with back-to-back championships, being named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIII. Elway never quit and finally found success in the big game. Persistence very often pays off, which is why is why we should emulate Elway’s example.
What are some other qualities of successful people? Share in a comment.
