12 characteristics that made them wildly successful people

 Throughout my career, only about 5% of my coworkers were top performers. They crushed it both inside and outside of the office.

I took notes. I studied what they did. 

They all had the same 12 characteristics that made them wildly successful people.

1: Positive Successful people are relentlessly positive. They expect things to go right, and more times than not, they do. The Placebo Effect works.

2: Produce

Consumers spend money. Watch TV. Play video games. Producers make money. They write They create They build Success is attracted to those who produce.

3: Confident

They believe that they belong, even when they don't. They speak confidently and ignore the haters. Turn impostor syndrome on its head and you have a recipe for success.

4: Risk-tolerant Successful people take risks, period. Investments Businesses Inventions New paths Moving Playing it safe doesn't breed success.

5: Patient Unsuccessful people quit too early (and too often). But, "Never give up" is bad advice. Success lies somewhere in the middle. Successful people *know* when to quit. Patience is a virtue that makes success possible

6: Self-reliant Successful people rely on themselves to: Solve problems Acquire wisdom Build opportunities Your mind is your best resource. Use it.

7: Creative Creativity lets us try new things. To build things that are: Better Quicker Stronger Successful people don't just color between the lines.

8: Ethical They live and die by their code of ethics. Successful people: Sleep well at night, and Listen to their conscience

9: Exercise Regular exercise gives successful people: Strength Confidence Energy I've known very few highly successful people that don't lift or walk regularly.

10: Unafraid

Successful people are unafraid of failure. They aren't perfectionists, either. They understand nothing is perfect. Failure happens. All that matters is what you do after.

11: Honesty Liars don't get ahead - at least consistently. Honest people are successful because people: want to work with them implicitly trust them respect them Honesty WILL make you successful.

12: Prioritize

How successful people prioritize: They produce before they consume Their health is more important than money Their time is more precious than fame Successful people know what's important. They go after it, protect it, and nurture it.

Notice what is absent from this list? - cars - money - degrees - big homes - pricey suits - best cell phones Things in general. Things don't produce success