7 Critical Keys to Success in Life

The keys to success in life are not dependent upon intelligence, social background, or economic standing.

Instead, they culminate in a willingness to adapt, work hard, and possess an unshakeable belief in oneself. In addition to these three characteristics:

Here are seven critical keys to success:

1. Build and maintain success habits. Indisputably, the most successful people in life have developed and continue to maintain good habits. These habits are taking care of physical and mental health, engaging in self-discipline and integrity, and upholding a productive attitude. 

Tip: Most successful people track their habits. Knowing where and how much time they spend on each helps them prioritize better and spend time more wisely. 

See Article: 7 Power Habits That Will Improve Your Life Immediately 

2. Set goals. Decide what you want and go after it! To get it, you must set goals. While setting your goals, devise an action plan and then resolve to accomplish something each day to move towards it. 

Renowned Eastern philosopher Lao Tzu wisely stated: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." 

In 1970, after extensive studies on success and priority setting, Harvard University's Dr. Edward Banfield wrote that the highest determinant of personal and financial success is having a "long-term perspective"(setting goals). He found that the longer a person took in planning and acting, the more likely they would achieve personal and career success. 

3. Learn from others. None of us has the time or will be around long enough to figure everything out for ourselves. Many wise and experienced teachers, past and present, have the expertise to guide us through our journey to success. Learn, read, and study the works of others to enrich your understanding of what you need to know to get where you want to be. 

4. Be flexible. Things rarely go according to plan, so cultivating psychological flexibility is necessary for success. Along the way, you must be able to re-evaluate and readjust when conditions you have no control over change.

To that end, flexibility keeps you from getting stuck. It helps you brainstorm and opens you up to more possibilities and opportunities. It allows you to deal with change and uncertainty.

Indeed, many unpredictable and unforeseeable circumstances present themselves on the road to success. In this case, flexibility is invaluable. 

5. Believe in yourself. Unfortunately, when you don't believe in yourself and your potential, it is unlikely that anyone else will either. Unknowingly, negative thoughts you may have about yourself and your abilities reveal themselves in your behavior and body language. As a consequence, this tends to hinder your efforts.

Similarly, when you don't believe in yourself rather than controlling an event and your role, you become held by it. Fortunately, you can cultivate belief in yourself by remembering past accomplishments (we all have some), working hard, and understanding that success does not happen overnight. Equally important is maintaining an optimistic attitude. 

6. Never give up. In the words of Winston Churchill, "Never, never, never give up!" Know that anything worthwhile is challenging to come by. More often than not, achieving success is an uphill battle of challenges, adversity, and obstacles. 

The quote by Calvin Coolidge says it all: 

"Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

7. Be respectful and considerate of others. First, there is no substitute for the Golden Rule. Second, building personal, business, or other relationships requires respect and consideration for others.

No one wants to deal with a know-it-all, bully, or self-centered person. Indeed, in any relationship, there must be reciprocal giving, sharing, and support. Indeed, good relationships are the hallmarks of a successful career and a balanced life. 

The above seven keys to success are fundamental to long-term and sustainable success. Study them, acquire them, and you will be well on your way!