The DNA of Top Achievers

Of course by now we are all becoming aware of DNA. It is the source code that determines who we are. When we look at DNA we can see what a person will look like, what diseases they may come down with, etc. This has been a tremendous breakthrough for scientists and will continue to be so for some time, I think.

This got me to thinking about what makes up those who are top achievers. Is there a "DNA" to them? Obviously, all top achievers wouldn't have the same literal DNA but what about a figurative DNA? Is there a common "gene" that they all have? Are there common "genes" perhaps? I think so!

If we could get right down to it, I think these are the genes we would find in the DNA of top achievers:

A predisposition to setting high, lofty goals. Top achievers are people who won't and can't settle for the status quo. They see average as a place they want to keep in the rear-view mirror. Instead, they continually look for ways to stretch themselves, to get better, to do better, to be better! They set their sights on goals that others have never even thought of. They want to shoot so high that even if they miss, they go higher than everyone else. This is what makes them top achievers.

An ability to focus intently upon reaching their desired destination. Many people can set high goals, but just as many people get sidetracked by one thing or another on their way to those goals. High, lofty goals usually take a while to get there so there will always be plenty of time to be tempted to stray away from the road that is taking you to those goals. Often, those things that sidetrack people are good things, but not the best things. Top achievers do not get sidetracked. They stay focused. They know where they are going. They have an ability to say "no" to the good things in order to get to the best things.

The willingness to personally sacrifice in order to get to their goal. When the going gets tough, many people quit. When the going get tough personally, most people quit. When the going gets tough for top achievers, they remind themselves of the high. lofty goals they have set for themselves. They remind themselves of what an accomplishment it will be for them and that the reward is worth pushing through the momentary trials. They are willing to sacrifice personally in the short-term in order to get the reward and the prize long-term. Keeping their eyes on the big picture enables them to persevere through any personal pain they may experience.

A predisposition to tenacity. Tenacity is the ability to "keep on going." Tough times? Keep on going! Financial troubles? Keep on going! People are suspect? Keep on going! You look like a dreamer? Keep on going! Tired? Keep on going! Want to quit and take it easy? Keep on going! Just remember this: Keep on going! The prize is ahead! Many people quit just before they were to get the reward, so keep on going!

The ability to see available resources and to use them accordingly. Those who are top achievers know that they cannot be lone-rangers on the way to the top. No one makes it by himself or herself. Top achievers recognize their weaknesses - the weaknesses that if they don't cover will keep them from becoming a top achiever! They see their resources and they work to get them into a helping position so they can continue the route to becoming a top achiever. And they don't use them, they utilize them. There is a big difference! People, finances, etc are all brought in to help by the top achiever.

A desire to help others achieve more for themselves as well. The top achiever knows that they can make a difference for others by becoming a top achiever. They know that the wealth they make can feed the hungry. They know that the position of influence they achieve can open a door for someone who may not normally get a chance. True top achievers look at how they can bring many with them, not how they can leave many in the dust. People are helped by the top achiever, not trampled upon!

I think if we could get to the DNA of top achievers, the things we talked about above would be at the core and fiber of their beings. What about you? Did you recognize yourself at all? I hope so! The good news about the DNA we are talking about today as opposed to real DNA is that you can go out and work on top achiever DNA whereas you are stuck with real DNA. So if you lack a little in the above-mentioned areas, take heart - you can get better and work on them so that you can become a top achiever!

Go get 'em, tiger!

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.

---

Blessing The Money You Spend

A young girl opens a birthday card from her grand... Read More

The 2-Word Phrase That Conquers Adversity and Breaks Through Obstacles

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my... Read More

7 Ways to improve Your Listening Skills

Do you know how much time do you spend listening?... Read More

The #1 Success Secret of All Time

From time to time I receive correspondence from individuals with... Read More

The Amazing 3-Step Formula To Success!

Believe it or not, there is a special 3-step formula... Read More

Why Are Manhole Covers Round?

Recently I stumbled across a list of Microsoft Interview questions... Read More

Building the Minds Framework for Success

Man is the most advanced being on this earth. We... Read More

My First Major Failure

Thomas Edison wrote his quote " I have not failed,... Read More

The Clichés of Success

The problem with writing about success is that almost everything... Read More

Are You Looking For Success With A KISS?

I am sure that you're familiar with the old formula... Read More

Success Formula--Why You Want To Think Like A Fighter Pilot!

Fighter pilots have an awesome responsibility. It takes a unique... Read More

Gratitude, Faith, and Clarity of Purpose -- The Most Powerful Statement

"Things might have been worse"This is the most powerful, dynamic,... Read More

The Need To Be Successful

The need to be successful. This is the bottom line... Read More

Success Lessons from Baseball - Enthusiasm And Excitement Can Make The Difference

I remember, about 35 years ago, reading two books by... Read More

The Synchronicity of Success

I love the idea of synchronicity.Perhaps it's just part of... Read More

What is Failure Anyway?

Does it surprise you that only 400 cokes were sold... Read More

Reach Your Goals - Using Eastern Wisdom

Take a page from Eastern wisdom Meditation, martial arts that... Read More

Success -Ten Winning Traits!

No surprise - winning traits are common among high achievers.Are... Read More

Success The Cartoon Character Way?

If you could choose a cartoon character from your childhood... Read More

Still Mourning That Business Failure!

No one wants to fail. But when in business you... Read More

The Failure Misconception

Most dictionary entries would define failure as the simple lack... Read More

The Secret to Intense Focus By

One of the common elements you see in almost all... Read More

The Fuel That Drives The Ultimate Lifestyle

In a recent article (What is The Ultimate Lifestyle), I... Read More

No Shortcut To Success

Sometimes short cuts are not worth taking. They may bring... Read More

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind

"The reason man may become the master of his own... Read More

Principles Of Success

Succinctly said, success is harmony. When the result is congruent... Read More

Listening - A Life Skill for Success!

When I decided to have my web site built, I... Read More

What Am I Going To Do With The Rest Of My Life?

Unexpected life changes. Anticipated transitions. Long, sleepless nights. What do... Read More

Top 25 Success Quotations

Consider what it takes to become an undeniable success with... Read More

Mindfulness and Conversation: Mastering The Art of Small Talk

How's the weather there?We use small talk to connect with... Read More

How My Friend Bob Went From Being A Failure To A Winner By Taking Intelligent Action

Let me tell you story about a friend of mine... Read More

Reaping the Fruit of Success in Life

One way to become more successful in your life is... Read More

10 Universal Principles of Success

Success is not something that only a chosen few can... Read More