Nobody is born successful. The skills needed to reach the top are learned through a combination of hard work, desire and failure. The best way to learn how to be successful is by looking at those that have already succeeded.

A precise set of qualities separates successful people from everyone else. These traits have added multiple zeros to their bank balances and earned them the respect of their peers.

Luckily, it is possible to learn how to be successful by learning these 11 qualities and applying them to your own work and life:

How to be successful - Compelo
Source: Gifographics

How to be successful: The qualities you need to succeed

The best entrepreneurs know what they want to achieve. They know what success means to them before they begin a project and will do anything in their power to achieve their goal.

However, they are always realistic when setting goals. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak’s initial plan wasn’t to create the most valuable company in the world. It was to assemble computers that they could sell on to earn some money. Once you have accomplished your first goal, then you move on to the next.

Yet, if Jobs wasn’t interested in computers, Apple wouldn’t exist. The biggest businesses start with passion and interest, rather than a desire to get rich.

It’s easy to start a business. It’s also easy to stop. Successful people remain patient and focused at all times, even when things are going against them. You will likely face a number of tough times before you reach the top, but persistence is vital to becoming successful.

How to be successful - Compelo

You should also be confident and believe in yourself. However, you won’t be able to make it on your own. You should be able to call upon your friends and family when everything gets a little too much. Likewise, the ability to talk will take you far in the business world, too. Good communication skills will help you to win over your colleagues, bosses and investors.

However, most importantly, you should be open to new ideas. Successful people listen to every word that is spoken to them and try to learn from everybody that they come across. Nobody knows everything and learning is the only way to expand your knowledge.

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