First of all, success is defined differently by different people. This, however, doesn’t negate the fact that certain aspects such as money, love, family and health somewhat remain synonymous with whichever way success is defined. 

What is it though, that makes some people access these things while others don’t? For some to set and achieve their goals while others hop or crawl from behind, only wanting for them too to succeed someday?

Successful people; the likes of Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote, America’s queen of talk-show hosting, Oprah Winfrey, and the famous Bill Gates, all have a flow to their lives and habits that have pushed them to success.

Emerson Shyaka, CEO of an incubation firm, says one thing he has observed about successful people in life is their focus and goal-oriented life.

He believes that one of the most outstanding factors that push these people to success is their ability to dream big but also, their determination to go after those goals.

Successful people also believe that they deserve the best, he says.

"Oftentimes, people equate success, especially, wealth, with pride. So they shun away from it. This can be done unconsciously because of some of the beliefs instilled in us. But since we become what we believe in, it’s hard to become successful when you don’t believe that you are deserving of it,” he adds.

Among other traits that these people possess, is their ability to set priorities. Successful people value the idea of prioritising. Their families, work, health and all the other important things in their lives come first. 

Winslet Umuhoza, a student and businesswoman, also notes that what successful people do, is add a routine to whatever they choose to do.

"If its work, they know what to do and when. If it’s about their health, they may have a morning or evening routine for their body and mind wellness. Different research has highlighted the importance of routine, one of which incites the development of good habits as long as one is able to make them stick.”

While working with thousands of people over the years to help them change their lives—to help them create both financial success and personal fulfilment—Nick Ortner highlights some things in particular that successful people do differently;

They overcome events and patterns that don’t serve them

Successful people are aware of how limiting old beliefs, habits, patterns, and experiences can be and they do whatever it takes to change them!

That doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Overcoming childhood abuse issues, or deep-rooted self-confidence issues, or overwhelmingly negative thought patterns can be a challenge. But successful people are committed to their own growth, no matter what. They know that the past does not equal the future. They understand that past challenges can either be dwelled upon for years, or accepted as necessary life lessons on their path.

They silence their critical voice

A common misconception is that successful people don’t have doubts, that they don’t have a critical voice, that they’re not afraid when they face tough challenges. Reality couldn’t be further from the truth.

Successful people face all of these challenges regularly, and probably more often than unsuccessful people, because of how much they challenge themselves. They just use tremendous courage to never let it stop them.

They are willing to fail, repeatedly

Successful people see failure as part of the learning process. And no matter how much they fail, they’re never willing to quit.

They also never see failure as defining who they are. When unsuccessful people fail, they see themselves as a failure.