These are the women who inspire me! I’ve studied them, and I’ve noticed they have the following traits in common:
1. They work hard!
Yes, they play hard, too! They get up early; they rarely complain; they expect performance from others and expect extraordinary performance from themselves. Repeated, high-level success starts with a recognition that hard work pays off.
2. They are incredibly curious and eager to learn.
They study, ask questions and read – constantly! While most of them did well in school, they never stop learning and applying what they learn to their present situations. Repeated success is not about memorizing facts, it’s about being able to take information and create, build, or apply it in new and important ways. Successful women want to learn more!
3. They network.
They know lots of people, and they know lots of different kinds of people. They listen to friends, neighbors, co-workers and bartenders. They don’t have to be “the life of the party”, in fact many are quiet, even reserved, but they value people and they value relationships. Successful women have a rolodex full of people who value their friendship and return their calls.
4. They work on themselves and never quit!
Really successful women work on their personalities, their leadership skills, management skills, and every other detail of life. When a relationship or business deal goes sour, they assume they can learn from it and they expect to do better next time. Successful women don’t tolerate flaws; they fix them!
5. They are extraordinarily creative.
They go around asking, “Why not?” They see new combinations, new possibilities, new opportunities and challenges where others see problems or limitations. They wake up in the middle of the night or mid-shower yelling, “I’ve got it!” They ask for advice, try things out, consult experts and amateurs, always looking for a better, faster, cheaper solution. Successful women create stuff!
6. They are self-reliant and take responsibility.
Incredibly successful women don’t worry about blame, and they don’t waste time complaining. They make decisions and move on. Extremely successful women take the initiative and accept the responsibilities of success.
7. They are usually relaxed and keep their perspective.
Even in times of stress or turmoil, highly successful women keep their balance (or know how to get it back), they know the value of timing, humor, and patience. They rarely panic or make decisions on impulse. Unusually successful women breathe easily, ask the right questions, and make sound decisions, even in a crisis.
8. Extremely successful women live in the present moment.
They know that “Now” is the only time they can control. They have a “gift” for looking people in the eye, listening to what is being said, enjoying a meal or playing with a child. They never seem rushed, and they get a lot done! They take full advantage of each day. Successful women don’t waste time, they use it!
9. They "look over the horizon" to see the future.
They observe trends, notice changes, see shifts, and hear the nuances that others miss. A basketball player wearing Nikes is trivial, the neighbor kid wearing them is interesting, your own teenager demanding them is a teaching opportunity! Extremely successful women live in the present, with one eye on the future!
10. Repeatedly successful women respond instantly!
When an investment isn’t working out, they sell. When they see an opportunity, they make the call. If an important relationship is cooling down, they take time to renew it. When technology or a new competitor or a change in the economic situation requires an adjustment, they are the first and quickest to respond. Successful women communicate how to reach them when instantaneous action is needed.
When an investment isn’t working out, they sell. When they see an opportunity, they make the call. If an important relationship is cooling down, they take time to renew it. When technology or a new competitor or a change in the economic situation requires an adjustment, they are the first and quickest to respond. Successful women communicate how to reach them when instantaneous action is needed.
Work with me
Does this list seem daunting and like one you’ll never achieve? It doesn’t have to be. I love partnering with women to help them become highly successful. When you’re ready to join the ranks of these women, click here and schedule a time to talk.