9+1 Things That Need Zero Talent to Succeed

It’s no secret that talent is the number one factor that determines success.

What about other factors?

Success is an amalgam of many things. When a number of factors come together and join forces with merit, that’s when you become successful.

Here are 9(plus one) things that need zero talent to succeed. Let’s check them out one by one: 

1. A killer attitude

Why you need it: Sure, talent is necessary but you have to have a never-say-die attitude to stand out from the rest. Knowing your self-worth makes you confident and keeps you going through tough times.

How to develop it: Observe your favorite leaders. See how they walk, speak, and conduct themselves. Start emulating their qualities to maximize your personality and cover what you lack.

2. Persistence in doing something despite difficulty

Why you need it: If there’s one thing that can beat talent, it’s hard work. The moment you combine talent with hard work and perseverance, you become invincible; no power or force can stop you from achieving anything in this world.

How to develop it: You can’t really teach anyone to be a hard worker, it comes from an innate desire to become better and smarter.

3. The ability to use time well

Why you need it: Successful people in the world like Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama credit their time management skills as a key factor that miraculously changed their lives and made them successful.

How to develop it: Either start prioritizing existing tasks by jotting them down on a paper or implement a time management software like ProofHub to track time being spent on different tasks.

Want to stay on top of every task? Switch to ProofHub.

4. Zeal to go an extra mile

Why you need it: Little by little, you achieve much - that’s how world-class leaders and athletes push their boundaries and break their own records. The ability to go an extra mile is what separates a great performer from a good one.

How to develop it: Surround yourself with inspired folks who take action to get things done. When you see others doing extra, you automatically get inspired to go an extra mile.

5. Good communication skills

Why you need it: It’s a no-brainer that effective communication skills can fast-track your success. Knowing the difference what to say when can help you win that client, crack that interview, and impress your boss.

How to develop it: Read and listen to the speeches by the best orators. Eliminate fillers like umm, yeah, I think and replace them with power words like sure, absolutely etc.

6. Zest to keep improving

Why you need it: Practice makes you perfect. Don’t lose heart whenever you make a mistake. Get up and start working on it keeping the mistakes in mind.

How to develop it: Practice, practice, and practice.

Also Read: 9 Management Do’s and Dont’s to Motivate Employees

7. Powerful body language

Why you need it: A confident body language plays an essential part in determining your success. Never underestimate the power of a firm handshake, eye-contact, and good posture.

How to develop it: Pay attention to your posture. Practice power poses. Smile gently while looking eye-to-eye someone.

8. Presentable professional appearance

Why you need it: Imagine someone coming to an office with unkempt hair, sleazy clothes, and colorful flip-flops. Not only it would raise a lot of eyebrows but is also considered rude and unprofessional.

How to develop it: Take a look at how your seniors or bosses dress. Don’t go overboard, just get into basic grooming and strive for a presentable appearance at work.

9. An open mind

Why you need it: One must be willing to accept ideas from others to collaborate and come up with a great product. No matter how good you are, you need other people to grow. So, be receptive to new ideas and people and keep an open mind.

How to develop it: Train your brain to not make choices under the influence of your ego.

Your game changer takeaway

And the last one is the capacity to be modified for a new purpose aka adaptability. The ability to adapt as per the need of the hour will take you places.

It’s worth remembering that even the best of the best need to upgrade themselves from time to time. Try these 10 things (or just one!) and over time it will pay off.

Cheers!

Author Bio:

Sandeep Kashyap is the Founder and CEO of ProofHub — a leading project management and collaboration software. He’s one person always on a lookout for innovative ideas about filling the communication gap between groups, teams, and organizations. You’ll find him saying, “Let’s go!” instead of “Go!” many times a day. That’s what makes him write about leadership in a way people are inspired to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.