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There’s a vast distinction between merely existing and truly succeeding in life.
This difference boils down to traits. Traits that successful men possess and embody in their daily lives. Traits that are not just about accumulating wealth, but about achieving a fulfilling life.
I’m Lachlan Brown, Hack Spirit founder and an enthusiast of mindfulness. I believe that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It varies from person to person, but there are certain traits that successful people tend to have in common.
In this article, I’ve highlighted 8 traits that if a man displays, he’s probably quite successful in life. These traits are not exclusive, but they provide an interesting insight into the mindset of success. So let’s dive into it!
1. He displays Self-discipline
The journey to success in life isn’t a sprint; it’s more akin to a marathon.
And when it comes to running a marathon, self-discipline is key. This is the trait that encourages us to wake up early, push through challenges, and stay committed to our goals even when things get tough.
A successful man doesn’t just rely on luck or circumstances. Instead, he takes active steps towards achieving his goals, and that requires a lot of self-discipline.
Self-discipline is about controlling one’s impulses, emotions, desires and behavior. It’s about resisting instant gratification in favor of long-term goals.
It’s about going the extra mile when it’s easier to quit. It’s about making the right decisions even when they’re not the most appealing ones.
A man who has mastered the art of self-discipline is already on the path to success. And this isn’t just my opinion. A long-running study that followed 1,000 people in New Zealand from birth found that self-control in childhood predicted better health, finances and life outcomes in adulthood.
2. He’s Goal-oriented
Let’s talk about being goal-oriented. This trait is a staple in any successful man’s life, and for good reason.
You see, having clear, defined goals provides a sense of direction. It gives you a roadmap to follow and a clear end-point in sight.
Let me share a personal example with you. When I first started Hack Spirit, I had one primary goal: to create a platform that would help others lead more mindful and fulfilling lives.
This goal wasn’t just a dream or a wish. It was something concrete that I worked towards every day. I had daily, weekly, and monthly targets that all contributed to the bigger picture.
Having this goal didn’t just provide me with a sense of purpose; it also kept me motivated during the challenging times. When things got tough, I could always look back at my goal and remember why I started in the first place.
That’s the power of being goal-oriented. It fuels your persistence and resilience, two essential traits for success in life. Psychologist Albert Bandura made a similar point in his work on self-efficacy: people who believe they can succeed are more likely to keep going when they hit obstacles.
3. He practices Mindfulness
We often hear the term ‘mindfulness’ floating around, but do we really know what it means? More importantly, do we understand its significance in leading a successful life?
Mindfulness is all about being present, about living in the here and now instead of constantly worrying about the past or the future. It’s about appreciating the moment and making the most of it.
As a mindfulness enthusiast myself, I can vouch for the transformative power of this practice. It helps you stay focused, reduces stress, and improves your overall wellbeing.
In fact, in my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve deeper into how mindfulness can help you live a more balanced and fulfilling life. I share practical tips and techniques that you can incorporate into your daily routine to start experiencing these benefits.
A successful man realizes that every moment counts. He knows that by being mindful, he can make better decisions, foster healthier relationships, and ultimately lead a more successful life.
Jon Kabat-Zinn, the professor of medicine emeritus who founded the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program, describes mindfulness in his 1994 book Wherever You Go, There You Are as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”
4. He has high Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, plays a significant role in an individual’s success. It’s about recognizing, understanding, and managing our own emotions and the emotions of others.
A man with high EQ is not only in tune with his own feelings but is also capable of empathizing with others. He can navigate social complexities and make personal decisions that achieve positive results.
His high emotional intelligence helps him build strong relationships, both professionally and personally. It aids him in resolving conflicts, leading teams, and understanding others’ perspectives.
Psychologist Daniel Goleman, who popularized the idea, wrote in his Harvard Business Review article “What Makes a Leader?” that when he analyzed competency models from nearly 200 large companies, emotional intelligence proved twice as important as technical skills and IQ for jobs at all levels. Those were company models rather than a controlled study, but they match what most of us see at work: people who handle others well tend to go further.
5. He embraces Failure
Now, this might seem counter-intuitive. After all, isn’t success the opposite of failure?
However, any successful man knows that failure isn’t the end. Instead, it’s a stepping stone towards success.
He understands that failure is a part of life, a part of the journey towards success. He doesn’t fear failure; instead, he embraces it. He views each failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Rather than letting failure discourage him, he uses it as motivation to work harder and smarter. He analyzes his mistakes, learns from them, and uses these lessons to improve.
In the world of psychology, this is known as ‘growth mindset’ – a belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
Psychologist Carol Dweck, who coined the term, describes people with a growth mindset as seeing challenges as chances to learn rather than threats to their image.
6. He is a Lifelong Learner
Successful men never stop learning. They understand that knowledge is power, and they constantly seek to expand their horizons.
Whether it’s reading books, attending seminars, or learning a new skill, successful men are always on the lookout for opportunities to learn and grow.
The world is constantly changing, and they know that to stay ahead, they need to evolve with it. They don’t shy away from the unfamiliar or the unknown; instead, they welcome it as a chance to learn something new.
This willingness to learn and adapt is what keeps successful men at the top of their game. It keeps them relevant, innovative, and ahead of the curve.
Carl Rogers, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, made a similar argument in his 1969 book Freedom to Learn: the truly educated person is the one who has learned how to learn and adapt.
7. He values Authenticity
Authenticity is a trait that is often underrated, but it’s incredibly important for success. Being authentic means being true to yourself, your values, beliefs, and goals.
In a world that often encourages us to conform and fit into a box, it takes courage to be authentic. It’s about embracing your individuality and not being afraid to show the world who you really are.
When I started Hack Spirit, there were numerous times when I faced criticism and pushback for my unconventional ideas. But I remained true to myself and my vision. I knew that my authenticity was my strength, and it has played a crucial role in my journey towards success.
Authentic people inspire trust and respect from others. They stand out from the crowd because they are genuine and real.
Psychiatrist Carl Jung called this lifelong process of becoming more fully yourself “individuation.”
8. He shows Gratitude
Success isn’t just about achieving goals and accumulating wealth. It’s also about appreciating what you have, where you are, and the journey you’ve embarked upon.
Gratitude is an essential trait for successful men. They know that acknowledging the good in their lives helps foster positivity and happiness.
A man who practices gratitude regularly is more likely to be content, less envious, and less likely to compare himself with others. He understands that success isn’t just about materialistic accomplishments but also about personal fulfillment and peace of mind.
Gratitude helps successful men stay grounded and humble. It reminds them of their humble beginnings, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the people who’ve helped them along the way.
Psychologist Robert Emmons has studied gratitude for decades. In one of his best-known experiments, people who kept a weekly list of things they were grateful for felt better about their lives overall than people who wrote about hassles or neutral events.
Final Thoughts: It’s about the Journey, not just the Destination
The path to success is a layered and multifaceted journey. It’s not just about reaching a destination but about growing, learning, and evolving along the way.
These eight traits are not just markers of success; they are also catalysts for personal growth. They can serve as guideposts to help you navigate your path and live a fulfilling life.
Remember, being successful doesn’t mean you have to fit into a predefined mold. It’s about being authentic, embracing your individuality, and staying true to your values.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into some of these concepts, particularly mindfulness and living with a minimal ego, I invite you to check out my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”. This book offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
In the end, success is subjective. It’s not about ticking off boxes or achieving societal benchmarks. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself.
Psychologist Abraham Maslow wrote about life as a series of choices between stepping back toward safety and stepping forward toward growth. So step forward, and embrace your journey towards success.