8 Traits Of People Who Reach Their Full Potential

As a Personal Trainer and Life Coach I have spent years coaching people in the pursuit of their goals. One thing I know for sure is that consistent themes and traits have emerged in the people that succeed versus the people that don’t.

Here is what I believe to be the top 8 traits of people who reach their full potential:

1. They have a strong vision.

Do you know where you are going and why? Do you know the purpose of your life? What is it that drives you and makes you want to get out of bed in the morning? Do you have a roadmap and vision for your life?

It’s important to note that successful people have clarity of purpose. They know EXACTLY where they are going, why, what’s expected and how they are going to get there. They have a roadmap and a plan. They have VISION. Consider this for a moment, how do you know you have got there, if you don’t know WHERE there is?

2. They have a strong sense of self.

Successful people know who they are and they don’t apologise for it. They are confident in their abilities and success focused. They go in to every task and experience expecting a successful outcome. And when things don’t go to plan they don’t whine and blame others. They take personal accountability for their actions and change course and strategy as required. If they hit a stumbling block and lack the skills necessary, they develop them or recruit them but either way they keep moving forward. Problems to them are just opportunities in disguise.

3. They are action focused.

This is such a crucial trait. So many of us are great at planning and goal setting, but when it comes to taking action that’s another story altogether. Remember a goal without action is simply a hope or a dream. It’s sad how many people spend their whole life dreaming of a better life, instead of working hard at creating it. Nothing great happens without hard work and sacrifice. Put simply, you get out of life what you put into it. Successful people understand this. Yes they are DREAMERS but most of all they are DOERS. So if you really want something, stop with the thinking and planning, and as Mish would say JFDI!!

4. They are willing to get uncomfortable.

Successful people are constantly challenging their comfort zones and are committed to personal development. They understand that they need to keep pace or, better still, set the pace. They seek out opportunities to stretch themselves and embrace new challenges.

They also have a teachable spirit that constantly asks questions and devours new information. They understand that knowledge is the pillar of success. Successful people want to learn everything about everything!

5. They take full responsibility for their actions.

This is a favourite of mine as we are all guilty of it in our lives – and it is a massive form of self-sabotage. I call these conversations in our heads the “destiny stealers”. Learning the art of positive self-talk is one of the greatest skills you will ever learn. The conversations we have in our heads are some of the most important conversations we will ever have.

Our minds do not understand the difference between what is real and what is not. It will simply bring to fruition what you believe and focus on. Another way I like to look at it is that our outer lives are a direct reflection of our inner minds. So if you don’t like an aspect of your life, start cleaning up your self-talk!

6. They build strong relationships.

People skills are some of the most underrated skills. Learning how to influence, persuade and get along with others are crucial traits in reaching your full potential. Successful people have strong people networks and understand that it’s one of the most important factors in achieving their goals. As the saying goes: “Your network is your net worth.” Importantly they don’t just take from people either, they GIVE and they focus on developing win-win relationships with people in the pursuit of their goals.

They understand the power of people leverage – they learn from the successes and failures of others. In doing so, they fast track the path to success as they don’t have to make as many mistakes along the way, and they can learn from the greats that run beside them. The bottom line is they always stay teachable and they listen to the wise!

7. They don’t EVER give up!

Most people in today’s world quit too easily when the going gets tough. They want the fast track, easy path, quick fix. They aren’t willing to do the hard yards and stick at something long enough to get results. And when the obstacles arise they duck for cover, throw in the towel and shift blame and responsibility everywhere except to themselves.

Successful people on the other hand embrace failure. They understand that failure is simply part of the journey and that it leads to learning and ultimately success. In fact, if they aren’t failing they feel like they aren’t succeeding. An oxymoron, but true. How many times did Sir Thomas Edison fail at the lightbulb before he succeeded?

8. They have vibrant energy and physical stamina.

Being a PT, this is also one of my favourites. Being in amazing physical condition SUPERCHARGES you in every other area of your life. Treat your body well with nutritious food and exercise and you turn your little 2-cylinder engine into a turbo-charged V8. Suddenly you will have more zest for life than you ever dreamt possible.

Successful people also understand how to manage their energy levels and that rest and balance are just as important as action. They are aware that low energy levels and health produces poor results in life, which compromises their overall quest for excellence.

My goal for this blog was to stimulate your heart and your mind, but most importantly to be a catalyst for SERIOUS “JFDI” ACTION!

I want you to feel a sudden desire to raise the bar in your life and to seek excellence in all of your endeavours. A favourite affirmation of mine is: “I choose to be the designer of my life, to carve my successes and to live with passion, purpose and destiny!”

Remember what we believe, and what we speak out is what WILL be. So choose your thoughts and your words carefully and precisely.

Take the time to bookmark this blog so you can analyse your strengths and weaknesses and develop your own plan for your life! This really could be the beginning of your own journey to becoming the absolute best version of yourself and truly reaching your full potential in all its BLING and SPLENDOUR!

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