One of the greatest desires of every human being is to become successful and success is relative. Most people believe success must affect one’s career otherwise it would merely amount to satisfaction derived from a past time. So a lawyer who has made a name for himself in his profession and has also acquired wealth for himself in the process will be considered successful by most people. However success is incomplete without satisfaction, if one has material wealth and great influence but isn’t satisfied with himself and his chosen vocation he surely isn’t successful.

What does it really mean to be successful?

Success is a combination of satisfaction and pleasure derived from a hobby and fulfillment one derives from accomplishing above average feats in his chosen career or vocation. A person who pursues his much desired career and accomplishes enviable feats in the process is said to be successful. The key thing to note is that success involves satisfaction from doing something regardless of whether you will ever become rich and famous from doing it. Michael Jackson for instance is a classic example of what it means to be successful. At the start of a career he did not envisage great wealth or fame but along the line discovered he could actually become both rich and famous although it wasn’t his primary aim, instead producing quality and unequalled music and entertainment what his true desire.

How successful people pursue their careers: Characteristics and traits of successful people

They are believers in missionary work

By missionary work I don’t mean successful people are very religious although some of them are, but their work or profession is service to humanity rather than an avenue for acquiring wealth. They see their profession, job or career as a call to service. They consider it their duty to do what they do for a living even if it means doing so for free but that is if they have other sources of income. As a criminal lawyer working for the government, a successful prosecutor would consider his/her duties to making the society a safer place to live in by prosecuting criminals and bringing them to book. They see themselves in terms of what contribution and means they are expected to use to accomplish their life long duties. Another instance, Michael Jackson during his lifetime saw himself as someone called to improve life for others through music. Producing the kind of music that would make people feel happy, motivated and inspired was his calling and this is even true when his entire lyrics are closely examined.

They are passionate about their beliefs

The only evidence that one is passionate about something is commitment shown towards that thing. Another way to look at commitment is motivation. A person who is motivated to doing something often times achieves that thing regardless of obstacles. An example of what being passionate about is with a teacher who is committed to teaching. He would seize every opportunity to teach at a place he considers worthwhile not in terms of being paid very well but rather to grab the opportunity to improve on one’s skills, gain new experiences and grow professionally in that career even if it means having a change of job which would offer less income for him/her. The more passionate a person is about something the more he or she becomes better at doing that thing as a result of being passionate about their beliefs and pursuits successful people tend to become really good at what they do.

Successful people are always looking for new ways to improve themselves

Most successful people invest in themselves, constantly acquiring useful knowledge, skills and new experiences while also ensuring that they apply their new investments in very profitable ways. Depending on their field or area of expertise a successful person will normally have a large amount of books and other materials necessary for career development, personal improvement and skills acquisitions in addition to other personal commitments to the same effect.

Successful people usually possess traits and attitudes that keep them going

Successful people imbibe attributes that ensure their success and relevance. These attributes and traits include; perseverance, persistence, confidence, positive mental image and focus are very necessary for anyone who wants to become successful. With perseverance, one continues to try out his hands on his pursuits regardless of obstacles, challenges or oppositions to their goals. Persistence on the other hand is insistence on getting what you want especially if you have to convince others about it. Usually persistence applies to achieving goals or getting things done for you by others. Confidence simply means self-belief, insisting that you have the capacity to achieve what you set out to achieve especially when it seems unlikely. Successful people are usually very confident in themselves and their abilities. All successful people do not see themselves as inadequate or not deserving of respect. They usually have sufficient levels of self esteem to make other people both respect and admire them. And of course staying focused rather than constantly veering off their paths is hardly a thing common to successful people.

Summary of the rules for becoming successful

• Pursue your passions (talents, interests and hobbies)
• Build a knowledge base
• Plan your mission ahead
• Practice and acquire skills in your desired career
• Pursue your plans
• Connect with success friendly traits (perseverance, persistence, confidence, focus)

Things to do in order to become successful

• Success is predictable and not guess work always ensure that you know what you are trying to do before you set out to achieve it.
• Do not allow anyone define your choice of career or profession for you because success in any field is self defined.
• Learn from other successful people. All successful people have mentors and role models people whose work and lifestyle they admire.
• Keep trying and never give up. Results do not come overnight because they take time to accomplish
• Above all ensure that your choice of career could also be a hobby or leisure time activity that way you will derive the satisfaction and fulfillment you desire to experience success.