Why Some People are More Successful Than Others
Why Some People Are More Successful Than Others
If we can identify and isolate the common factors that are present in all successful people, then in theory, we could write a success formula, apply it to ourselves, and use it to make ourselves more successful.
Luckily, that process of identification has already been done; here are the results.
Successful people are goal orientated.
Non-successful people don't set goals.
They wait and hope that somehow, things may get better. Maybe the government will help, maybe the boss will give them a pay rise. Maybe they will win the lottery.
All successful people are avid goal setters.
They set goals for their business, they set goals for their education, they set goals for their health, they set goals for their hobbies. They are restless and eager to achieve the next goal. When they reach a goal, they immediately set another, higher-order goal. They are always happy, but never satisfied.
Some call it, constructive dissatisfaction.
All successful people write detailed plans.
Unsuccessful people don't plan. They react to events as they happen.
All successful people drive events. Their days are planned. Their eating is planned. Their workouts are planned. They prepare and plan in advance of the event.
If you want to be more successful, the first thing to do is to buy a notebook and pencil and use them to write goals and build detailed plans.
Successful people have good motivation skills.
Along with their goal setting and planning, all successful people are strongly motivated, and have the ability to motivate others.
Their motivation comes from the reasons for their goals.
They motive others by talking about the positive benefits that will be achieved when the goal is reached.
Successful people listen to feedback.
Unsuccessful people do not want to change and carry on regardless of results.
Successful people are prepared to listen to feedback and modify their plans accordingly.
Successful people are willing and able to change.
By continuously reviewing results and rewriting their plans where necessary, they become more successful.
These are the common traits that make people successful.
By applying and using them, you will make yourself more successful.
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Definition: goal setting
Goal setting is the personal-development process of choosing the exact result you want, making it measurable, fixing a clear deadline, and writing it down for regular review and adjustment. Without any one of these four parts-clarity, measurement, timing, and written commitment-the activity is not true goal setting.
Show CG4D Definition
- states a single desired result in clear, positive words
- sets specific, measurable success criteria
- assigns a definite deadline for completion
- records the goal in writing and reviews progress often
Article Summary
Success is not chance; it follows a simple pattern: set clear goals, plan the steps in detail, drive yourself and others with strong reasons, and refine each move as feedback arrives. Use this four-part formula and your results will grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What is the first action successful people take?
Why do successful people create detailed plans?
What is constructive dissatisfaction?
How does feedback improve results?
Where do successful people find strong motivation?
How often should I review my goals and plans?
Is there a simple success formula to follow?
Thought of something that's not been answered?
Did You Know: Key Statistics
LinkedIn's Global Talent Trends 2024 report states that workers who write clear goals with their boss are 3.5 times more likely to receive top performance reviews. A 2025 Gallup Workplace poll shows teams that get weekly feedback make 23% more profit than teams that get yearly feedback.Blogs by Email
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Further Reading in Personal Development
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Creative Imagination
Learn how creative imagination turns negative pictures into clear goals. Visualise to boost success, sharpen memory and calm worry. Free live webinar now.
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Habits of highly effective people - planning ahead
Planning ahead turns big goals into manageable tasks. Discover the magic question that breaks aims into subsets, avoids paralysis by analysis and sparks action
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Ways to Develop a Success-Orientated Mindset
Learn how to build a success mindset by setting goals, thinking logically, adapting to change and working with others. Follow four simple steps to reach goals.
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What is Self-Image?
Learn what self image is, how childhood beliefs limit you, and simple steps to reframe mindset, drop mental brakes and drive personal growth for work and life
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Is Being Open Minded a Good Thing?
Learn smart open mindedness: filter ideas with critical thinking, ignore unsupported claims, and use your limited time on evidence-based voices that add value.
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