5 Common Traits of the Super Successful

What makes some people so successful? Is it something that can be learned? Or are we destined for success from birth?

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach for achieving greatness, what we do know is success is non-discriminatory. In other words, anyone can achieve it given the right circumstances. Of course, outside factors can determine whether or not you have a higher likelihood of becoming successful, but what about on the inside? Are there certain traits that are ingrained in the minds and bodies of the ultra successful?

According to recent research, yes, there is. When looking at successful innovators like Steve Jobs of Apple or Jeff Bezos of Amazon, they all appear to share common traits.

While these innovators possess extreme versions of these attributes, it’s still important to realize what success looks like.

The study broke it down into 5 specific characteristics:

• Questioning: the ability to question what “is” and envision what “can be”
• Observation: the ability to see not just the big picture, but the small nuances of customer behaviors and markets
• Networking: making prudent connections while also gaining lots of new insight
• Experimentation: figuring out how things work first-hand and not being afraid of failure
• Associational thinking: combining the 4 other traits in a way that allows you to come up with creative ideas and solutions

While this list of traits speaks specifically about their ability to “invent,” I believe the same rules should be practiced by anyone who is eager to make big things happen.

Whether you’re looking for a good college, in college now, or looking for a career, tap into these personality traits in order to get the most out of your situation. “Observe” and “question” what others are doing for opportunities of your own. “Network” as much as possible to open yourself up to opportunities that you wouldn’t have known about otherwise. “Experiment” with different directions and hobbies to determine what it is you’re passionate about. And finally use all of these traits together to unlock your full potential.

If you follow this advice, add in a dash of luck and a lot of practice (see: Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers for more on that), and you may just be on the fast track to a career as the next CEO of a leading tech company. Now that you have the secrets, there’s no holding you back.

Brendan Baker is a writer for the Student of Fortune blog, where he writes about current education topics and college life. Check out Student of Fortune for excellent tutorials on everything from English to math help.