The Keys to Success
- Frank Manfre
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
As a career coach I’ve had many people ask me “What’s the key to being successful in the business world? Is it the college one attends? Luck? Or who you know?”
My first reply is, “How do you define success? What would that look like? Can you measure it?” The second thing I point out is that education alone won't lead to success. You can have a Harvard MBA or PhD and fail to achieve your goals. Then I share this famous quote:
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” -Calvin Coolidge
In addition to persistence and determination, I believe the following actors or attributes are key to achieving success as you define it:
Goal setting
Planning - A goal without a plan is a dream. Start with end in mind; if you don’t know where you want to end up it doesn't matter what path you choose
Develop people, aka "soft", skills such as empathy and connecting with others
High emotional intelligence. EQ is more important than IQ
Self-awareness - Know where you're strong and where you need to improve
Having a thick skin - Seeking and accepting constructive criticism
Critical reasoning skills
Self-confidence - Not arrogance but a quiet determination that you will figure things out, learn from your mistakes, and make progress
Humility - Be willing to be wrong and own it. When necessary admit you don't know and ask for help
Grit, aka Perseverance - Understanding there are no lasting “overnight successes”. It’s a journey and difficult at times but if you’re open to it, there will be great opportunities for learning and serving others. See the blessings you have and be thankful.
Optimism – View all things that pose a challenge as a glass half full versus half empty. See problems as opportunities in disguise
Be a "Go Giver" - Help others get what they need and want
Find a mentor, one that takes genuine interest in you and invests your success
Be gracious - Offer to help others. Pay it forward.
Be a mentor. Giving brings greater joy than receiving.
Network regularly and build your personal brand by posting on LinkedIn and liking and commenting on what others share
There are undoubtedly others attributes of highly successful people I have failed to list but you certainly can. Take an honest self assessment and ID where you have opportunities to improve and then relentlessly pursue your short term and long term goals. Success doesn't happen by accident or luck alone.
Frank Manfre
Job Search Sherpa & Career Coach
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