Nothing beats a man or woman with uncompromising standards. Such people have the character set to achieve whatever they set for themselves. They believe in the golden rule which says “Do unto others as you will have it be done to you.”

An African proverb says ‘wherever man goes to dwell, his character goes with him.” Though they are often victims of jealousy and hatred one is filled with admiration and respect for them because of attributes such as assertiveness, honesty, truthfulness, integrity, courage, confidence, patience, perseverance and principled nature that they exhibit without difficulty.

Some people may compromise their principles for promissory but not them. They are the last people to sacrifice their values on the altar of triviality. But despite the growing interest in hiring people of that category, our world is still faced with the dearth of such people. We need more of them because of their insistence on what’s right.

Below are some four key character attributes adapted from my book ‘Chasing the Dream’ essential for your breakthrough in whatever you are doing.

#1: Principle:

Belief. Set of beliefs. Or anything. This is what I know: you must neither break your principle nor bend it to favor someone or a temporary habit. Principles like personal philosophies are what get you to do what you do any day. Compromise your personal philosophies and your identity is lost. Forever. We all need to be respected for something. Anything. At least for standing up to something. In the event, you become a prey to the wind you’re doomed. You will fall for everything. Inconceivable things too. Principles are ideas you stand for. They are the qualities that define you. They are you. When people want to connect to you in your absence, they tap into your principles to make their points. There’s nothing more sordid than to see a man or woman who has nothing to stand up for. I call these persons the “everything-goers”. To them, everything goes so long as it helps them achieve whatever they have set up to do. Sustainable success will be far from you if you are in this situation. All it takes is for you to find a word or an idea to stand up for. No matter what happens, prepare never to bend or discriminate among your principles.

#2: Perseverance and Patience:

Remember that: buried inside world billionaires is the attitude of perseverance. This is one such critical ingredient to success. One needs to develop strong back to navigate through the muddy waters of hardship and failures which abound on the success superhighway. Develop that strong back essential in life--that persevering attitude of the few successful. The spirit that says, “even though I failed in this project, I’ll give it another push”. That self-effacing confession that “though I failed by this approach, I have access to several others to use.” Failure is strengthening. Failing in a particular project does not mean you are a write-off dude or out-rightly canceled. Persevere and learn to keep your cool at all times.

#3: Courage and Confidence:

Courage is another important ingredient missing in the lives of many people who are hungry for success. They want to be rich; they want to drive the best cars in the world; they want to sleep in a big mansion; they want to afford to take their children and partners on vacations in the best parts of the world; and they want to own huge multinational companies, yet some of these people are afraid to take risk. Nothing in this world is achieved on a silver platter. Napoleon Hill said that there’s nothing for something. The “daring spirit” must be stirred within you. To some, there’s no “free lunch” in the universe. Everything comes at a cost and that is the mindset you must have so long as you want to be successful. The fear of the unknown shouldn’t enslave you. And never give in to “what if”. This is a poor man’s way of skipping success. This is success: doing what the failure won’t do. It takes great courage, to be honest. The more honest we are in our dealings with others, the more we will be trusted.

#4: Assertiveness and Activity:

Remember: Character and success start with knowing when to say “NO” and “YES”. I call this “TRUTH” even though generally it is called assertiveness. What I know is that: I have met many people who have been afraid of the word “NO” – sometimes to their great discomfort. They replace every “NO” answer with “YES”. Situations that demanded “NO”, these persons would “YES” them. Could you help me accomplish this task? They will respond with a “YES” answer when their schedule does not permit them. Such persons by that act demonstrate a low level of confidence and diminishing self-esteem. They appear inferior in the presence of others. Know: all the persons around you expect 100% honesty in their relationship with you. They could be hurt when you tell them the truth, but overtime they will appreciate you. Your value and identity will sink inside them deep enough to respect you back. It’s said that “Truth hurts” but I don’t subscribe to that crap. Truth doesn’t hurt. In fact, why should it? It pays to be honest to the people around you.

There you have it four character attributes you need for your success. You can develop yours and mail it to me via Austin.powers@myjoyonline.com or Brakomen@outlook.com

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These are excerpts from my book ‘Chasing the Dream’ which could be bought online at www.amazon.com or on www.life360degrees.net