If you are chasing material gains, accumulation of wealth and property, fame or accolades of those around you; you might not ever be successful. You cannot necessarily control all the factors required to achieve these goals.
But if success means loving relationships, peace and calm, ongoing contentment or a sense of fulfillment; success is not out of reach for you. Proverbs has much to say about living a successful life. Today, I grabbed five ideas about success from Proverbs 12.
FIVE CHARACTER TRAITS OF SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE:
They are teachable
"To learn you must love discipline, it is stupid to hate correction." (Proverbs 12:1)
"To learn you must love discipline, it is stupid to hate correction." (Proverbs 12:1)
Everyone makes mistakes, everyone is wrong sometimes. True friends will correct you and set you on the right path. But if you aren't willing to be corrected, you'll never grow as a person.
They work hard
"A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense." (Proverbs 12:11)
"A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense." (Proverbs 12:11)
"Winning the lottery" is not a formula for success. Hard work might not lead to obscene riches; however, hard work will keep food on your table and a roof over your head. If you spend your whole life comparing yourself to others and wishing you could have what they have, you'll wind up poor. You'll have no sense, and no cents.
They listen well
"Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others." (Proverbs 12:15)
"Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others." (Proverbs 12:15)
No one knows everything. We all have much to learn if we are willing to listen. Even people who we perceive as less than impressive may have valuable lessons to teach us if we will hear what they have to say. Those who grow are always widening their knowledge base. The best way to do that is to listen to as many people as possible.
They tell the truth
"Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed." (Proverbs 12:19)
"Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed." (Proverbs 12:19)
The hidden secrets of those who bend, twist and otherwise modify the truth are eventually revealed. Throughout history, many have climbed high on the scaffolds of lies, only to fall far when their false words collapse underneath them. No matter how difficult it may be in the moment, future success is the result of telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
They are optimistic
"Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. (Proverbs 12:25)
"Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. (Proverbs 12:25)
Underachievers spend a great deal of time worrying about things they cannot even control. Successful people focus on what they can control, and they find positives in every situation. Learn to view people in the best light possible; assume their motives are good; believe a good outcome is around the corner. Choose to bring light rather than darkness into the world.
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