Having worked with and interviewed hundreds of super successful people there are a surprising number of behaviors and characteristics that are consistently true amongst all of these individuals. Being a superstar and reaching the height of your potential is within each of us and I am firm believer that success leaves clues. Take a moment and review these key principles witnessed in every successful person I have ever met.

Have a crystal clear vision

The ability to see into the future and visualize with complete confidence the potential of your idea is essential to becoming brilliant. Whilst many people will look to challenge your vision and most will tell you it is unattainable, it is your unquestionable belief in your vision becoming a reality that ensures your probability of success. Creating clarity in your minds eye delivers the focus required for success.

Make decisions

Procrastination is without question the slow train to everywhere. Indecision stands in the way of progress in so many people’s lives and the constant hunt for perfection fuels a lack of action. Not making a decision is the equivalent of standing still. Whilst standing still you will never reach the top of the mountain where as trying every path till you get there will eventually get you there. Decisions create actions, actions bring outcomes and outcomes grow experience.

Keep learning

Superstars are on the quest to become masters of their craft and are determined to be the best they can be. Growth comes from experience and the best lessons are served from our mistakes. Mastery is created from the ability to fast-track your learning and accelerate your experience by building on the experience of others. Read the books and attend the trainings of those who have achieved what you are working on.

Are leaders (not managers)

The idea of simply “Managing” is quite literally a huge turn off for all who seeking huge success. Synonyms for “Managing” are words like “coping” and “overseeing” and I am sure that these are not words that truly inspire. Leaders do not need to see all the details, they know where they are going and are fixed on that destination. Leaders know why they are going there and why others should follow. Great leaders always have the answers to all the “Why” questions.

Take full personal accountability

Those who reach heightened levels of success never spend any of their energy blaming external factors or other people. They work harder on themselves than they do on their excuses. Success is derived from honesty in every area of your life but most importantly with yourself. It is far better to work at being better than wish that things were easier.

Move quickly and don’t live in the past

The past is a place for reference and not residence. Using your experience to enable better actions in the future is critical to reach more of your potential. Every superstar has made countless mistakes and it is typically these mistakes that have been the making of them. Take the time to review past activities and then start applying those lessons to your daily routines immediately.

Walk the talk

Spend more time doing and less time talking about doing – Simple.

Don’t let poisonous people into their lives

The world is full of haters, whingers and moaners and they all love company. These people take great pleasure at crushing your dreams and sucking energy out of your day. A good friend of mine talks about his regular “Life laundry” where he cleans out anyone from his life who is holding him down as opposed to building him up. Surround yourself with people that inspire you and help you grow. Successful people actively encourage success in others and will celebrate it.

Spend less time in bed

This is not strictly true because super successful people typically have great sex lives too! What I am talking about is the time they spend sleeping. Simply getting up 1 hour earlier every day gives you over 20 extra hours per month to invest in being awesome. Think what you could do with an extra 20 hours per month.

Work Hard

There is rarely such a thing as an overnight success. Success is achieved from consistent hard work that with space repetition builds habits that create a level of competence that is both elegant and effortless. The irony is that effortless performance is achieved from a huge amount of initial effort and most people are not prepared to apply the required effort to get things off the ground.

Have a coach or mentor

Nobody ever achieves and maintains huge success all by themselves. All of the greats have someone to keep them on track, monitor their performance and provide additional accountability. A great coach or mentor can see things from a different perspective and help you to see things differently too.

They DO give up!

Success is about having one defined and clear vision and then having many paths that get you there. Successful people know exactly when to stop going down one path and start on the next. The key is to give up on the wrong thing and then start up on the next.