When we think about highly successful people, it’s easy to picture extraordinary talent, relentless ambition, or perhaps just plain luck. But there’s far more to success than meets the eye.
True success is often rooted in less obvious traits—the habits, mindsets, and ways of thinking that set these individuals apart from the crowd.
These traits aren’t always flashy, but they’re powerful. They shape the way successful people approach challenges, connect with others, and pursue their goals.
Today, we take a closer look at five such traits that almost all highly successful people possess—and why these qualities might just be the key to unlocking your own potential.
1) Curiosity
Did you know that Bill Gates still reads 50 books a year, despite his massive success?
He’s not alone. Curiosity is a trait almost all successful people share.
As Dr. Randall Bell, a socioeconomic researcher with over two decades of experience studying success, has explained:
“Those who read seven or more books per year are more than 122 percent more likely to be millionaires as opposed to those who never read or only read one to three [books].”
Successful individuals know that growth doesn’t stop once they achieve a goal—it’s an ongoing process fueled by a hunger to learn and explore.
Whether it’s reading, asking questions, or seeking new experiences, curiosity keeps their minds sharp and adaptable, allowing them to stay ahead in a constantly changing world.
If you’re looking to emulate their success, start by tapping into your own curiosity—it just might open doors you didn’t even know existed.
2) A growth mindset
Another common trait I’ve noticed in successful people is the possession of a growth mindset.
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s not just about being smart or talented. It’s about understanding that effort plays a crucial role in achieving success.
This mindset is particularly useful when things don’t go as planned. Instead of seeing failure as the end of the road, those with a growth mindset view it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
This trait encourages resilience and persistence, two critical factors in achieving long-term success.
In the words of famous psychologist Carol Dweck, who coined the term growth mindset, “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.”
3) Self-discipline
This one’s a game-changer.
No matter how you slice it, successful people consistently score high on self-discipline. They know that success isn’t just about big wins or lucky breaks—it’s built on the small, consistent habits they stick to day after day.
Take mornings, for example. Research by Sleep Junkie shows that waking up early is associated with higher earnings.
And in a five-year study of 177 self-made millionaires, author Thomas C. Corley found that nearly 50 percent of them got up at least three hours before their workday began.
How many of us are getting up three hours before we even start work?
Successful people are also serious about fitness. As Dr. Randall Bell has pointed out, “Those who exercised, even for 15 minutes a day, dominated statistically in every single measure of success.”
It seems that ultimately, discipline is the backbone of success. It’s what transforms goals into action and dreams into reality—one intentional choice at a time.
4) Specific goal setting
If there’s one thing successful people never do, it’s winging it. They know the power of setting clear, specific goals—and sticking to them.
As motivational speaker Tony Robbins famously said, “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”
This simple principle is backed by science, too.
Researchers have noted that “over 1,000 studies consistently show that setting high and specific goals leads to better task performance, persistence, and motivation compared to vague or overly easy goals.”
Why? Because specific goals provide a clear roadmap. They break down big ambitions into actionable steps, giving you a sense of direction and purpose.
More importantly, they create accountability—keeping you focused and on track even when the going gets tough.
Whether it’s planning your career, saving for a big investment, or building better habits, setting clear goals is a strategy that successful people swear by.
It’s not just about knowing what you want; it’s about mapping out how to get there and committing to the journey.
5) Resilience
Last but not least, here’s one you might have expected.
The more I learn about successful people, the more I uncover their failures. It’s not the part we see highlighted in their success stories, but it’s almost always there—hidden beneath the surface.
Take legendary investor Ray Dalio, for example. In his book Principles, he reveals that he went completely broke in his thirties and had to borrow money from his parents to stay afloat.
It’s hard to imagine one of the world’s greatest financial minds struggling to pay the bills, but it happened.
And then there’s J.K. Rowling, one of my favorite examples of resilience. As a single mother, her manuscript for Harry Potter was rejected by 12 publishers before it finally found a home.
Twelve rejections! How many of us would have had the grit to keep going after that?
Resilience is about rising up after failure, learning from setbacks, and persevering when the odds feel insurmountable.
It’s a defining trait of successful people because, without it, their journey would have stopped the moment things got tough.
In conclusion
Success isn’t about luck, talent, or even the perfect opportunity—it’s often about cultivating the right habits, mindset, and traits that help you navigate life’s challenges and opportunities with purpose and determination.
Whether it’s staying curious, embracing a growth mindset, practicing discipline, setting clear goals, or building resilience, these qualities form the foundation of true, lasting success.
The best part? Every single one of these traits is something you can develop with effort and intention.
So, if you’re ready to take your life to the next level, start small. Pick one trait, focus on it, and watch how it transforms your perspective and progress.
After all, success isn’t just something you achieve—it’s something you become.
