What Sets High Achievers Apart
Ever wondered what sets consistently high-achieving individuals apart from the rest? Having observed scores of professionals across many industries, there are some patterns that stand out. High achievers aren’t fortunate; they’ve invested in particular qualities that reward them in the long term to create remarkable results.
They Think in Systems, Not Just Goals
Most people have wishes and want the best. High achievers do it differently, however. They create systems for their goals, breaking down lofty goals into daily steps that can be accomplished.
Take goal-setting, for example. Instead of vague wishes like “work better,” high performers use the SMART system – goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. But that’s not the only thing. They create systems of accountability, track progress regularly, and adjust their approach based on what the metrics tell them.
The real difference? They value as much the process as the outcome. Where others are preoccupied with where they’re going, high achievers master daily routines and habits. They understand that consistent daily implementation of the right activities automatically leads to outstanding results.
They Invest Heavily in Relationships
Here’s something too often overlooked: high achievers are relationship builders. They understand that success rarely happens in isolation, and they make it a point to bridge gaps with colleagues, mentors, and industry influencers.
How does this work in the real world? They create psychological safety in conversation – people feel comfortable providing candid input without fear of retribution. They listen more than they talk. When they do provide feedback, it’s constructive and actionable.
Most importantly, they seek feedback proactively. Rather than sitting through yearly reviews, they proactively solicit input from credible sources on a regular basis. This isn’t always convenient, but it accelerates growth exponentially. When someone continually delivers results while creating deep relationships, opportunities naturally flow toward them.
They Never Stop Learning
The most successful people treat learning like a core job responsibility, not an optional extra. They stay curious about their field and adjacent areas that might impact their work.
It is not drowning in information or taking every class available. Smart students are tactical. They identify where they need to learn what they don’t yet understand and fill that gap in the best way they can. At times that’s a book, at times it’s speaking with an expert, at times it’s experimenting.
The insight? They see challenges as learning opportunities, not threats. When something doesn’t work, they learn from it and iterate. Simply that shift in mindset sets them apart from the discouraged by failures.
They’ve Mastered Self-Management
Self-discipline gets a bad name – it sounds repressive and unhappy. But high achievers understand something crucial: discipline liberates. When you are able to manage your time, concentration, and energy, you seize control of what occurs.
This comes out in small but significant ways. They start important work when they are most energetic. They bundle similar activities together to minimize context switching. They establish boundaries to protect their most productive times. They plan their days and weeks in advance, though they are flexible if priorities shift.
The result? They accomplish more in less time with higher quality. They’re less stressed because they’re not perpetually reacting to whatever is begging for their attention.
They Know the Power of Strategic Networking
Networking is transactional and uncomfortable most of the time, but high performers don’t care about it like that. They leverage networking for what it’s best used for: establishing genuine relationships, not merely a Rolodex.
They show up at industry conferences on a regular basis, but more importantly, they follow up with substance afterward. They give before asking. They bridge people within their network so they can help each other. They follow up even when there isn’t an inherent payoff.
Technology makes this easier than ever before. Sites like LinkedIn allow you to keep up relationships with hundreds of friends and share valuable information with your network. The key is to be generous and sincere, not necessarily selfish.
The Compound Effect
These traits do not exist in isolation. Goal-setting individuals who disregard relationships level out. Great networkers with poor self-control do not capture opportunities. Great learners who are unable to apply become perpetual students rather than practitioners.
Enchantment happens when these traits reinforce one another. Successful relationships create learning opportunities. Enhanced self-management prioritizes time for strategic networking. Clearly defined goals guide learning priorities. Each trait enhances the others.
Getting Started
Don’t attempt to change everything simultaneously. Identify one aspect that speaks most compellingly and make a commitment to continuous improvement for 90 days. Perhaps that is starting a weekly planning ritual, or contacting one new professional contact each week, or spending 30 minutes every day on skill building.
The path to improved performance is not unknown – it’s just uncommon. Everyone is aware of what is effective but doesn’t have consistent follow-through. The gap between knowing and doing is where top performers build a difference from everyone else.
Which trait do you think you will develop first?