The 6 Critical Factors for Success

by David Burlon · Published May 20, 2019 · Updated December 7, 2020

The are a number of factors which will contribute to your success. This post presents the six critical factors for success which we believe to be the most important. These are the personal traits and orientation which will deliver a successful life, to not only survive, but prosper in an uncertain and rapidly changing world.

In a previous post we identified the six pillars of personal success, the different components of your life in which we seek to achieve, and which together define what success is.

Related Posts:

• What Does Success Mean?
• 8 Things Successful People Do Every Night
• 10 Books On Self Improvement That Will Change Your Life

Six Critical Factors For Success

#1 – An Action Orientation

Nothing happens unless you make it so. As a well-worn saying goes in strategic planning circles – “a poor plan, vigorously implemented will out perform a brilliant plan poorly executed.” Your success or failure is ultimately up to you. Luck will play a part, but perseverance will generally win the day. Staying motivated is essential, as are productive habits.

Business man success in job

#2 – Continuous Learning

To succeed in a world of constant and exponential change, we need to be able to adapt and keep up. This is less about knowledge but the ability to source and analyse it. Read widely and be open to new ideas, discuss topics with others.

#3 – A Questioning Attitude

Fake news went from being an apparently outrageous claim by Presidential candidate Trump to being widely accepted as fact. We need to question all information as to its source, reliability and veracity. Some may call this cynicism, or being sceptical – we think it essential in a world where information is so readily manipulated.

#4 – Flexibility and Adaptability

The world is changing so rapidly, the one thing we know with certainty that the next decade will be very different from this one. Whilst many try to predict the future, we should be aware of changes and be prepared to alter course accordingly. We can’t become too fixed in time or place. Success is more likely to come from being able to continually adapt to new circumstances.

#5 – Morality and Ethics

Whilst the “gamers” may have some short-term wins, in the long run they lose. Your time on this planet is too short to not treat people the way you would want to be treated yourself. Empathy with others has a way of repaying you over time (think Karma bus). A strong sense of who you are is invaluable in times of crisis.

#6 – Confidence and Courage

Being successful requires a strong self of sense, it takes confidence and courage to follow your own path. These are traits which can be practiced and built upon. Celebrate your successes and achievements.