We live in a world that's changing everyday, yet successful men share
traits that are as timeless as they are evident. From Andrew Carnegie to
Warren Buffet, all the way to Steve Jobs and Tiger Woods, there are
certain attitudes and inclinations that set certain individuals above
the rest. History is not kind to those men who fail, conversely, those
who set themselves apart and don't compromise are held in a special
regard; titans of industry, masters of finance, artists of no equal.
Recognizing characteristics of men like these and emulating their ethos
is a good start to living the life of a successful man.
1. Be a Force of Nature
Whether
in business, leisure or love, a successful man is one of action. Making
difficult decisions and acting on them is not only part maturity, but
is a fundamental quality shared by generations of accomplished men.
Particularly in business, winning men are those of action. This doesn't
always mean finding the route up the corporate ladder. Relatively
speaking, those who succeed are those who cannot bear inactivity. Taking
well-conceived plans and acting on them is often risky, but the truly
outstanding man knows that not acting on a solid conviction is foolish.
When Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard to pursue his dream of personal
computing he certainly had his critics, no one would second-guess his
choice now.
2. Confidence is Key
For natural
leaders, self-confidence is as intrinsic as their eye color. If you are
not a natural-born leader, you must learn to be confident; it takes
serious commitment and hard work. This doesn't involve charging into
battle, or out-maneuvering your partners at the negotiating table; it's a
steady and demonstrable ability to lead. Being comfortable calling big
shots, and confidently believing that you are right comes easy to few;
learning to find your rhythm is crucial to being a winner. It isn't a
matter of knowing when and when not to take credit, or even when to step
up when others shy away, true confidence makes situational variables
irrelevant. Confident leaders are responsible at all times, and that's
the way they like it - on vacation, in the workshop, in the boardroom
and in the bedroom.
3. Surround Yourself with the Best People
Surrounding
yourself with the best people is a well-documented part of success.
This isn't limited to business or money matters. Artists, scientists and
athletes all surround themselves with the brightest, placing themselves
in an environment where they can thrive. Successful politicians do this
as well, President Obama has selected a cabinet that is
uncharacteristically bipartisan; he kept President Bush's Defense
Secretary Robert Gates, and nominated other GOP members to his cabinet,
relying on credentials rather than party. Making genuine friends, with
respected innovators and contemporaries in your field is crucial to
living as a successful man.
4. Know Your Loves and Indulge.
In the same vein as being a
man of action, staying in tune with your passions and loves are
characteristics of a thriving man. Steve Jobs did not lose his focus
when he was forcefully ousted from the company he co-founded (Apple) in
the 1980s. Learn from one of history's greatest businessmen. Following
his departure he started Pixar, an animation giant, and broke ground
with NeXT, the software that would become MacOS X. When Apple
reintegrated Jobs as acting CEO, Apple once again took a position of
leadership with innovative products like the iPod, iTunes, iMac and the
iPhone. The momentum of a man driven by what he loves can never be
compromised.
5. Take a Piece of Every Pie
Highly
successful men are those who are well rounded. Unless you plan to devote
your entire life to solving obscure proofs, or lock yourself in a room
writing the world's greatest song, being able to enjoy, appreciate and
share in all facets of life is important for a successful man. There are
rare geniuses out there, who cannot be bothered by society, but most
men judge their success by that society's bar; money, power, political
influence, and great art. Thus, being well read, well informed and truly
appreciative of fine art comes naturally to great men. So if you're
not a world-renowned surgeon, or wall-street maverick, but wish to
achieve success as they have, begin to understand what is great about
Sartre, Art Institutes and literary journals.
6. Control Your Finances
You
may not be as knowledgeable or wealthy as Warren Buffett, but every
successful man must be in total control of his finances. Successful men,
from penny-pinching students to the Forbes 100, know that financial
responsibility sets them up to either fail or succeed in pursuing their
dreams. Accumulating wealth is not a desire shared by all successful
men, but money is certainly an indicator of success. It represents a
trading of talent, skill and knowledge. Even innovators who were
penniless until they've died generate capital over time as the populace
discovers their worth. For those of us who are not living the life of a
starving artist, financial stability is important. Those with the
ability to invest probably know much about existing markets. Consider a
reputable money manager or financial advisor to assist you with
strategies to attain your financial objectives.
7. Pursue Mental Health and Emotional Stability
A
sound mind is paramount when following your passions and being a
success. Not having full control of your mind and command of your
emotions is more than a hindrance to success, it is unhealthy. Certainly
in a business setting, the inability to leave emotional and personal
concerns at the door will lead to a lack of professional accomplishment.
Taking criticism personally or leaving excitement unchecked will result
in decisions that are damaging to your career. The National Institute
of Mental Health has found that men who suffer depression also display a
decrease in productivity and activity by 30%. Emotional wellness is
central to thriving in your life. Except when professional help is
needed, a good practice is self therapy with those you trust and love;
address concerns and be honest with yourself.
8. Spy Games
It may sound manipulative, even meddlesome,
but highly successful men are also highly sensitive to the emotions and
intentions of those surrounding them. Choosing the right time to move
on a deal, or knowing exactly when your client wants something done is
just as important to success as is knowing how to articulate yourself.
The ability to engage in and understand your surroundings is critically
related to confidence. That brilliant idea or that #1 Best-seller will
only be realized if you comprehend your environment and take effective
action to see your ideas through. Successful men control their
confidence and use actionable assessments to make solid decisions, not
brash and imprudent ones. Take for instance Warren Buffett's Berkshire
Hathaway, it has been outperforming the S&P 500 for decades, he has
maintained his financial reputation by disciplining his passion and
carefully analyzing those people and institutions that surround him.
9. Invest in Humanity
All
successful men share an interest in philanthropy and human development.
You don't have to have multi-million dollar charities or huge political
clout to change the world you live in. Often men that society deems
most successful aren't the richest, or most brilliant; they all care
about affecting the world in a positive way. If monetary resources can't
be your chief avenue of benevolence, follow others' lead: world
renowned musicians, athletes, artists and scientists give their talents
back in ways that don't involve money. Ultimately, truly successful men
know that what they have is unique; their talents are too great not to
be shared with the world.
10. Enjoy Life
Such a
quaint-sounding phrase carries real weight. Those considered successes
by their peers and the world have found this adage fundamental to their
success. Love what you do and eagerly follow your passion; that's all
the world's most successful men have ever done. Great philosophers and
great businessmen have always stayed true to their convictions and
personal goals. They've lived life with an undying dash to greatness,
and this makes them successful. Steve Jobs loves personal computing,
Warren Buffett loves finance, Michael Jordan loved the game of
basketball and Bob Dylan loved music. As men, we can appreciate their
loves, and find what it takes to be a success.
A life of Success
Having
an unstoppable momentum, and learned leadership skills are the forces
driving a successful man. That man is confident and well rounded, makes
informed decisions, and cannot be stopped from realizing his goals.
Mental and financial health are also cornerstones that support this type
of man. A highly successful man loves what he does and will not be
stopped on his way to making his dreams a reality.
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