5 Characteristics of Outstanding Individuals
Outstanding isn’t something a person has, it is something a person does.
We all know when we are in the presence of outstanding people — we can just feel it.
They have something special inside of them we wish we possessed inside of us — the good news is we are all capable of excellence. It begins with a mindset shift. It is helpful to spend time learning about understanding people — and bear witness to how they do what they do to be who they are.
As we learn about them, all we have to do is emulate their character attributes and — own them as our own.
Outstanding isn’t something a person has, it is something a person does.
What does it take to be outstanding?
1. Perseverance
Nothing in life comes easy.
Outstanding people don’t lament about this fact, they respect it. What they want out of life is — perceived as worth the hard work it takes for them to achieve it. They are prepared to fight and dig for what they believe in — unwavering belief in themselves.
They are prepared for setbacks and accept that these are the times when they will need to gather their courage and fortitude. They are prepared to be tired, to feel burned out and frustrated.
They know whatever they are going through — there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
They understand that you have to grind to achieve your goals — if it was easy everyone would be doing it. If we want to be outstanding — we’ve to be diligent in our pursuit.
We have to develop the tough-mindedness and work ethic it takes to rise above the rest.
2. Choice
Outstanding people wake up each day and choose life — they understand the power of choice.
They choose joy, grace and the power of gratitude — seeing their blessings instead of problems. Outstanding people thrive on the freedom they gan from being able to continue to make their mistakes and choices necessary to learn and grow from them. They know that it’s one thing to be in the climb to the top, and a whole thing to be at the top.
Outstanding people make the choice to look at their fears in the face — and keep going. Through this process — they gain the strength, knowledge and experience to be exactly who they are.
We must see our time on this earth is limited. We cannot and must not waste any time while we’re here.
We must wake up and choose to succeed.
3. Failure
Outstanding people welcome and respect the concept and experience of failure.
Nothing takes them further in their own learning — and nor does anything teach them or redirect their efforts more fully or quickly than failure. Failure is part of the journey. Genius will not; talent will not, but hard work and willingness to learn the qualities that take outstanding people wherever they want to go.
If we want to be outstanding, we must learn not to stand in fear of our failures — rather, we must learn to build upon them.
We must view our failures as stepping stones to our own success and greatness. Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.
We must never give up. We must learn to start from where we are — with the resources we have and to do what we can from this place.
4. Support
Outstanding people embrace the idea that succeeding is never a one-man job.
Outstanding people have a team of confidants and support who travel with them along their journey through life. These supports are an integral part of them being outstanding as they are. They know it is nearly impossible to be successful on your own. Your support system is everything.
They know it has been their supports who have helped them navigate through their tougher times.
To be outstanding, we must gather our supports.
We must listen to them, love them and appreciate them. We all need support and understanding to ward off the ugly predators of anxiety, fear, depression — and frustration.
5. Purpose
Outstanding people are driven by a powerful sense of purpose — both in their individual lives and in relation to the world at large.
They have defined the impact they desired to have and have held tight to their vision with every ounce of their focus. The purpose of life, for outstanding people — is always about service — how do I help others better their lives.
They want to be involved in ways where they have the opportunity to show and use their compassion to help elevate others.
To be outstanding — we have to find something dear to our heart and hold onto it.
The Bottom Line
We need a purpose we are so deeply interested in that motivation and inspiration are not hard to access. We must know who we are and how we want to be of service to others in this world.
We must not worry about what others might think of us — focus on becoming a better you.
