7 Signs Someone Will Be Successful

Predicting someone’s future might be invaluable to them. Being able to ascertain those actions and words that will create their prosperous future or cause their downward spiral. Knowing where they are on track and knowing where they might need support.

How many of the grandiose plans you hear about actually come to pass? How often does someone make themselves the success they set out to be? How often does someone intentionally set their goals and make progress towards them every day, and how often do they become distracted, or deterred, or just give up? Someone’s daily actions compound to create their entire life.

Based on interviewing, reading and observing, here’s how to tell if someone will be successful.

1.    They find their own inspiration

They don’t need pep-talks to perform or a motivational speech to deliver. They have made self-sufficiency their mission and they don’t rely on others to pick them up if they’re having a bad day. They have a strategy for switching states fast to always be at their best. They have techniques to go from low to high energy and they consistently apply them until it comes naturally. They steer away from draining topics and people and they inspire others as a by-product of their self-assurance.

2.    Their character is sound

Character predicts success more than anything else. Who you are now is who you will be in the future. Inquisitive, lazy, conscientious, flaky or determined. Sticking to your word or always making excuses. If someone lets you down, they’ll have let others down too. If they wow with their work, it won’t be their first time, or their last. Future leaders show leadership skills in their very first role. Small actions multiply over a lifetime to determine someone’s future in a big way.

3.    They’re consistent behind closed doors

Someone bound for success operates exactly the same whether they’re being observed or not. There’s no Jekyll & Hyde or secret personality. They’re not into trickery or sleight of hand; they do what they say, audience or not. They consistently do far more than they could get away with. They don’t aim for the bare minimum, and they don’t say “that’ll do”. Sitting back when the boss isn’t there doesn’t occur to them. Work chat tools are their allies not their secret gossip room. They know who they are and who they want to be, and their motivation is themselves, not the orders of others.

4.    They don’t need following up

They don’t need chasing or following up because they make it their mission to match their actions to their words. You’ll know where you stand, no guesswork required. They’ve worked out what’s possible and they’ve stuck to their promise. They work to their own beat because it’s served them well so far. They’re solid and trustworthy and they’re a pleasure to work with. People like this are the lifeblood of businesses and without them, success would be impossible. Their reliable nature means clients say “yes” and teammates put them forward. It’s what leaders are made of.

5.    How they talk about others

Behind someone’s back they are kind and they avoid conversations of judgment. They can always see the other side and they’d rather address an issue with someone in person than talk about them to others. They focus on their own game. Successful people do not sit in groups slagging people off. It’s not in their nature, it wouldn’t occur to them, and there’s plenty more to be speaking about. Bitchiness and back-stabbing don’t lead anywhere good. A refusal to participate is an early sign of success.

6.    They take ownership

If there’s a challenge to be overcome they’ll have thought about how to do it. They don’t bring their problems to others to solve, they dig right in and get there first. They work within teams, but they don’t rely on them. They’re organised with their time, their plans, their weeks and their years; which leads to smashing through goals and doors being opened. They are determined and focused and they finish what they start. They know what’s what because they’ve sussed it all out. They seek responsibility rather than shirking it and they back themselves to deliver.

7.    They spread good vibes

They’re so sure of themselves that they can encourage others. They’re not threatened by success, they use it to inspire. They’re positive and happy and they amass a tribe. Others want to be associated with them. They see the good side, they are grateful, and they don’t throw tantrums over what they can’t control. They write positive reviews, they give the benefit of the doubt and they seek to understand rather than judge. They know that they get back what they put in, and that how they see the world is a reflection of themselves. They spread good vibes wherever they go.  

Early signs of future success are exciting to see. Early signs of future disappointment can be diverted before it’s too late. The first step is awareness, the second is action.

How much of yourself do you see explained in those descriptions? Who comes to mind for each phrase? If you match up well, the future looks good. If you don’t compare, there are changes to be made.