[stephenkhoo]

50 things that successful people do

By Daniel Wong

Do you want to be successful?

Of course you do. Who doesn’t, right?

Obviously, the path to success isn’t easy. If it were, you’d see far more successful people around.

Through my work, I’ve had the privilege of interacting with thousands and thousands of people. I’ve observed what successful — and not-so-successful — people do.

I realize that success isn’t a magical goal that only a few lucky people can attain. Instead, success is something you can achieve simply by doing many small things well.

Based on my observations, I’ve come up with a list of 50 things that successful people do.

(Just to be clear, when I use the word “successful” I’m not referring people who are rich and accomplished. Rather, I’m referring to people who contribute a lot and who lead meaningful and fulfilled lives—who may or may not also be rich and accomplished.)

1. Focus on contribution, not achievement.

2. Read books regularly.

3. Think about at least one thing they’re grateful for every day.

4. Take complete responsibility for their choices.

5. Keep a to-do list and a calendar.

6. Keep a “stop doing” list of bad habits they are working on eliminating.

7. Regularly spend time alone to think and reflect.

8. Continually incorporate new healthy habits in their lives.

9. Refuse to blame other people.

10. Exercise regularly.

11. Sleep at least seven hours a night.

12. Concentrate on the important, not the urgent.

13. Ask “Why?”

14. Ask “Why not?”

15. Ask “How might we…?”

16. Compliment others in public.

17. Criticize others in private, and always do it constructively.

18. Don’t allow email to run their lives.

19. Set goals.

20. Track their progress on those goals.

21. Have written down their personal mission statement.

22. Spend little, if any, time watching TV.

23. Develop a savings and investment plan.

24. Plan for the future, but savour the present moment.

25. Know that they’re not defined by their achievements, or by what kind of car they drive or house they own.

26. Surround themselves with positive, encouraging and generous people, while also avoiding toxic people.

27. Make time for family, no matter how busy they are.

28. Focus more on the process than the outcome.

29. View failure as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.

30. Seek advice from wise friends and family before making any major decision.

31. Learn something new every day.

32. Eat healthily.

33. Refuse to make excuses.

34. Have at least one or two mentors.

35. Make commitments and promises—and keep to them.

36. Communicate not so that they can be understood, but so that they cannot be misunderstood.

37. Show respect to others, regardless of educational qualifications or social status.

38. Go out of their way to make others feel special.

39. Display humility.

40. Pursue excellence rather than perfection.

41. Are driven by purpose and principles, not performance.

42. Continually improve their listening skills.

43. Readily forgive themselves and others.

44. Focus on what they want most, and don’t get distracted by what they want now.

45. Frequently try out new activities.

46. Never settle for a job (or life) they hate.

47. Genuinely care about others.

48. Continually overcome their fears.

49. Take calculated risks often.

50. Focus on building strong relationships.

Looking at this list, I know that I still have areas to work on, and I’m guessing that you do too.

Together, let’s take steps toward finding enduring success, not just for our personal benefit, but also for the benefit of our friends, family, community, nation and world.

Daniel Wong is a learning and personal development expert, as well as a certified youth counselor. A sought-after speaker and coach, he is also the best-selling author of "The Happy Student: 5 Steps to Academic Fulfillment and Success". He offers programmes to help students become both happy and successful and to help parents to connect more effectively with their children. He writes regularly at http://www.daniel-wong.com. Download his FREE e-book, "The Unhappiness Manifesto: Do You Make These 150 Mistakes In The Pursuit Of Happiness?", here.

[fleaky]

These are common and quality things that you mentioned here. I would advise specially the students that they should follow these as this is the best way to get in the game of the success and achieve something in their life. If they follow the successful persons then they sure will have something beneficial to do with their lives.

[stephenkhoo]

Yup you are correct.... .like they say monkey see monkey do..... so it is something also known as peer pressure. thats the reason why learning lab has been churning out top PSLE kids and probably MOE has realised that the lab has been consistently producing bright kids to beat the PSLE system. But to be accepted into learning lab is another hurdle, the kids have to meet certain criteria. I think PSLE or not, the system will stay because it is now carved in stone. More must be done I feel to help weak kids, kids who are from poor or broken families, kids who are below average who cannot follow. Don't waste a chance to help every kid because the 1 digit will add to better learned people. Why are prisons no longer called prisons in US and called pennetential? Because it should be a place where inmates can reflect and do better in life. The meaning of life is not to condemn those wayward or lesser but to help and give hope. This is the same hope that will save lives and make us live better with love and compassion. Success is not complete without love and compassion, only love and compassion can sustain a person thru difficulties and give hope. It is only with hope that humans can weather difficulties and overcome events such as wars, famine, epidemic, disasters and conflicts.