I’ve worked with people who run the range of financial success, but the biggest players often have stark similarities in personality. Here are the 8 traits I see most frequently, in the most successful people I work with…

1.Unrelenting Resolve. It’s often unassuming – not loud. Like a tiger on the hunt, and that tiger is hungry. You are not going to stop it, and it *just keeps pushing.* There is a resilience to what anyone says or does…this thing is going to happen.

2. Cemented Self-Belief. To others, it can feel “unrealistic,” but there is a clarity & certainty in what they know & believe to be true and possible. They sit in this comfortably, and deeply believe in what they see & what they can do. It’s infectious – You’ll believe it too.

3. Resilient Optimism. They believe there is always a way to win, a workaround, a way forward…and they execute that way. It’s not that they don’t take hits, or get angry…but they don’t get discouraged. They go down from time to time, but they don’t stay down.

4. Clear Vision. The vision is focused and clear, but the paths can shift to get there. Often this vision inspires others to follow them, as well as their share of detractors. They have tolerance for new ideas/paths, but none for those who don’t align with the end goal.

5. Always On. They’re solving problems in their head on a run, learning new trends, and thinking about their business 24/7. This is the hardest thing for their relationships and the toughest trait for their partner to live with (and one I hear often).

6. Genuinely Enjoy Risk. It’s not just that they are risk-taking, they *enjoy* the risk. They like making big bets, positioning deals, and these are moments they truly engage. The adrenaline of this, is part of what makes it hard to retire/walk away from.

7. They Like to Win. They don’t focus on competitors as much as winning in their overall landscape, beating the odds & pulling it off. Think a general who has a specific end game in mind. It involves strategy, challenges, and positioning. Playing chess & poker.

8. Strategic Networkers. They know the right people to help them move the ball, and are not shy about shamelessly networking to make it happen. Reaching out, courting, and up front. It’s not predatory, and usually positioned as a win/win for all involved.

Hope these kick you off! There are likely more I’m not thinking of, but if you can reference this list, you might see areas you can uplevel your own position. Adopting a few new tricks just might help you think a bit differently…or if nothing else, understand others you might encounter on your way up.