10 Questions to Predict Your Success in Life: From Mindset to Ambition

Success is a multifaceted concept that extends beyond one’s corporate achievements. While climbing up the ladder is a well-known marker of success, a healthy work-life balance, pursuing and achieving personal goals, and embracing who you are all contribute to success in life. But how can you tell if you will truly be successful? Here are ten scientifically-proven questions to determine if you have what it takes to soar towards success.

1. Are You Open and Mentally Prepared to Grow?

Your mindset is a crucial factor in determining your success. Those with a growth mindset, who recognize that their character, intelligence, and creativity can change over time, are more likely to see failure as an opportunity for growth instead of a setback. These individuals embrace challenges, survive setbacks, and use criticism as a tool to improve. According to Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, those who believe that their potential is limitless are more dedicated and willing to work harder towards their goals.

2. Are You Private About Your Goals?

It may seem counterintuitive, but psychologists suggest that telling others about your personal goals can actually decrease the likelihood of achieving them. By divulging your aspirations to someone else, “social reality” sets in, and your mind may feel as though you’ve already achieved the goal. This leads to less motivation to take action and make progress towards that goal. Taking action and putting in the hard work without seeking external validation is the key to turning dreams into reality.

3. Are You Happy?

Positivity is a key component of success, as it fosters an upbeat outlook that can lead to further success. Being content and happy with where you are on your journey is critical to achieving your goals. Psychiatrist and author of Heaven and Hell: The Psychology of the Emotions, George Vaillant, highlights that love is the key to happiness, even for those who have achieved success in their work and finances. Without supportive relationships and genuine connections, true happiness is hard to come by.

4. Do You Have a High Level of Self-Esteem?

Having confidence in your abilities is a prerequisite for personal and professional growth. Low self-confidence often hinders people from taking action towards their goals and aspirations, whereas those who have a healthy level of self-esteem are more likely to go after what they want. According to authors Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, having a belief in your abilities and taking action will bolster your confidence and move you towards success.

5. Are You Exactly Who You Want To Be?

Successful individuals possess the qualities of great leaders, but this does not mean that they’re inauthentic. Instead, they are constantly striving to be the best versions of themselves. In her article for Harvard Business Review, professor Herminia Ibarra notes that “fake it until you make it,” or “play-acting,” can increase your confidence and impression of your authenticity. With enough confidence in yourself, others will believe in you too.

6. Do You Have Extreme Willpower?

Elite performers in various fields, from artists to CEOs, demonstrate consistency and strong willpower. Setting small goals and consistently taking action towards them, as well as tackling tasks that take only a few minutes to complete, can help improve your willpower over time. Breaking down big goals into smaller steps and consistently working towards them can help increase discipline, focus, and the stamina to endure challenges.

7. Are You a Social Butterfly?

Being both smart and socially savvy is a recipe for success. People who possess cognitive intelligence in addition to social skills tend to earn more money and experience greater success in their careers. According to a study by Catherine Weinberger, an economics professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, having both intellectual and social abilities is key to success.

8. Are You Ambitious?

The hallmark of successful people is often grit. Those who persevere and are hardworking towards their goals tend to achieve more success than those who are less tenacious. Psychologist Angela Duckworth, who has studied both kids and adults, has found that those with grit are dedicated and will work harder than others to achieve their desired outcomes. Anyone can be ambitious with the right motivation, whether it’s personal growth or changing the world.

9. Are You a Risk Taker?

Ambitious people striving for success know that risks are often necessary to achieve their goals. Being comfortable with taking calculated risks can be an incredibly difficult but essential part of being successful. Author Jason Ma notes that a breakthrough in your path to success often arises from a well-managed crisis. Focusing on executing a well-thought-out strategy, rather than spending too much time honing skills, can help achieve success.

10. Are You Steadfast?

When pursuing success, it is crucial to avoid comparing yourself to others or letting their negativity or success impact you. In the words of Jason Ma, you should not compete with others but instead aim to be better than you were yesterday. Do not let external influences steer you away from your desired outcome, and do not lose sight of your goals.

In conclusion, success is not just a corporate achievement but a multifaceted concept that extends to one’s personal growth, family-life balance, and overall happiness. Scientific evidence suggests that several personality traits can predict success, from having an open and growth-oriented mindset to being willing to take calculated risks. By focusing on personal growth, setting small goals, and consistently taking action, anyone can work towards the path of success.