The most successful people in the world are the ones that know what they want and exactly how to get it.
That doesn’t mean they’re ruthless or underhanded, of course. In fact, high-flyers often do so well because they have certain attitudes and habits that set them up for success. Here are some of the traits they have that you might want to try to hone in yourself.
1. They’re not afraid to ruffle a few feathers.
People who succeed are usually the ones who aren’t afraid to step on a few toes. They’ll challenge the usual way of doing things, even if it makes some people uncomfortable. They’re not trying to be difficult, but they’re definitely willing to push boundaries to get better results. They know that nothing changes unless you’re willing to mix things up a bit, even if that means ruffling some feathers in the process.
2. They can turn any setback into an opportunity.
When things go sideways, successful people don’t sit around feeling sorry for themselves. They’re great at finding the silver lining in almost any situation. Got fired? They’ll use it as motivation to launch that business they’ve been dreaming about. Hit a snag on a big project? No worries—they’ll pivot and find a new solution. It’s this attitude that keeps them moving forward when other people might give up.
3. They’re not just smart—they’re emotionally savvy too.
Source: Unsplash You can be the smartest person in the room, but if you can’t connect with people, you’re not going far. High achievers know how to read the room, understand what people want, and navigate tricky situations without making enemies. Emotional intelligence helps them build relationships that are just as important as their skill set. They make people feel seen, and that goes a long way in any industry.
4. They’re obsessed with learning, even when it’s uncomfortable.
People who succeed are always curious. They’re not afraid to look like beginners, whether they’re taking on a new project or picking up a new skill. In fact, they thrive on it. That constant hunger to learn keeps them sharp and adaptable, which is crucial when things don’t go as planned. They see every learning curve as an opportunity to get better, even if it’s uncomfortable at first.
5. They can say no without feeling guilty.
They don’t spread themselves too thin. They know when to say no, and they don’t feel bad about it. It’s not because they’re selfish—it’s because they know their limits and priorities. Saying no to the wrong things means they’ve got the energy to say yes to the things that really matter. It’s all about being intentional with their time and focus, which is why they get so much done.
6. They’re willing to be the lone voice of dissent.
Successful people aren’t afraid to be the only voice in the room with a different opinion. They’re confident enough to stand by their beliefs, even if they’re the odd one out. They don’t argue for the sake of it, but they definitely stay true to their convictions. They’re not scared to speak up, especially when they know they’re onto something, and that willingness to go against the grain often pays off.
7. They’ve got grit by the bucketload.
Source: Unsplash They don’t just quit when the going gets tough. They’ve got perseverance in spades, which means they stick with things long after other people have thrown in the towel. Whether it’s bouncing back from failure or pushing through long hours to meet a deadline, they’ve got the stamina to keep going. Success doesn’t come overnight, and they know that staying power is often what separates them from the rest.
8. They’re not hung up on perfection.
Source: Unsplash Sure, they care about doing great work, but they know perfection is an illusion. Instead of obsessing over every tiny detail, they focus on getting things done. They’ve mastered the art of balancing high standards with efficiency, which allows them to keep moving forward without getting bogged down. They’re more interested in progress than perfection, and that’s what makes them so effective.
9. They’ve got a talent for simplifying the complex.
Source: Unsplash They have a real gift for taking complex ideas and simplifying them in a way that makes sense to everyone. They’re not into overcomplicating things—they’re more about getting to the heart of the matter. This ability to explain things clearly means they’re great communicators and can bring other people along with them, whether they’re leading a team or making a big pitch.
10. They’re comfortable with uncertainty.
Source: Unsplash In a world full of unknowns, successful people don’t panic when things aren’t clear-cut. They’ve learned to make decisions without having all the answers, and they’re okay with a bit of risk. They see uncertainty as a chance to innovate and adapt rather than something to fear. It’s this comfort with the unknown that keeps them agile and ready for whatever comes next.
11. They know how to make connections that matter.
Networking isn’t just collecting business cards for these people—they know how to build relationships that count. They’re strategic about who they spend their time with, and they cultivate connections that are mutually beneficial. It’s not about what they can get from someone; it’s about how they can create value for both sides. These connections often help them open doors that might otherwise stay shut.
12. They’re always a step ahead of the game.
Successful people are experts at spotting trends before they hit the mainstream. They’ve got a great sense of where things are headed, and they position themselves to take advantage of emerging opportunities. They’re not just “lucky”—they actually pride themselves on staying informed and always thinking ahead. That forward-thinking mindset is what keeps them at the top of their game.
13. They’re not afraid to ask for what they want.
These people know that closed mouths don’t get fed. They’re confident enough to ask for that promotion, that raise, or that opportunity, and they don’t see it as being pushy. They’ve learned that if you don’t advocate for yourself, no one else will. It’s about knowing your worth and not being afraid to go after what you deserve.
14. They work smarter, not harder.
They’re not lazy, they’re efficient. These high achievers are experts at cutting out unnecessary work and focusing on what really moves the needle. They find ways to streamline tasks and prioritise what’s important, so they can get more done in less time. It’s all about maximising impact while minimising wasted effort.
15. They’ve got a healthy relationship with failure.
For successful people, failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the journey. When things don’t go their way, they don’t wallow in it. Instead, they analyse what went wrong, learn from it, and keep moving. It’s not about never failing—it’s about failing better and using those experiences as fuel for future success. They know that each misstep is just a stepping stone to something bigger.
