5th Qualities That Make A Person Successful

Character 

Character is the sum total of a person's values, beliefs and personality. It is reflected in our behavior, in our actions. It needs to be preserved more than the richest jewel in the world. To be a winner takes character. George Washington said, "I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most valuable of all titles, the character of an honest man."

It is not the polls or public opinions but the character of the leader that determines the course of history. There is no twilight zone in integrity. The road to success has many pitfalls. It takes a lot of character and effort not to fall into them. It also takes character not to be disheartened by critics. How come most people love success but hate successful people? Whenever a person rises above average, there will always be someone trying to rip him apart. Chances are pretty good when you see a person on top of a hill, that he just didn't get there, but had to endure a tough climb. It's no different in life. In any profession, a successful person will be envied by those who are not. Don't let criticism distract you from reaching your goal. Average people play it safe to avoid criticism, which can be easily avoided by saying, doing or being nothing. The more you accomplish, the more you risk being criticized. It seems there is a relationship between success and criticism. The greater the success the more the criticism. Critics have always been sitting at the sidelines. They are underachievers who shout at doers, telling them how to do it right. But remember critics are not the leaders or doers and it is worthwhile asking them to come down to where the action is.

 The critic is one who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing-. Oscar Wilde

 There is another breed of people who are willing to help others until the others are able to help themselves. But as soon as they are able to help themselves, this group of people make life as miserable and as uncomfortable as possible. This is part of life and if we have to succeed, we have to do it in spite of them. This kind of behavior is the result of jealousy. Character is a Combination Character is a combination of integrity, unselfishness, understanding, conviction, courage, loyalty and respect. What is a pleasant personality with character?

It is a class by itself.

 It is composure.

 It is poise.

 It is surefootedness and confidence without arrogance.

 It is being considerate.

 It is never making excuses.

 It is knowing that courtesy and good manners take many small sacrifices.

 It is learning from past mistakes.

 It has nothing to do with money or blue blood.

 It never builds itself by destroying others.

 It is substance, not just form.

 It can walk with the elite and yet maintain the common touch.

 It is a gentle word, a kind look and a good-natured smile.

 It is the secret pride that stands against tyranny.

 It is comfortable with itself and others.

It is the classic touch that gives the winning edge.
 It works wonders.
 It accomplishes miracles.
 It is easy to recognize, hard to define.
 It is accepting responsibility.
 It is humility.
 It is graciousness in victory and defeat. 
It is not fame and fortune. 
It is not a plaque.
 It is permanent.
 It is intangible.
 It is being courteous and polite without being subservient.
 It is being classy without being cocky.
 It is self-discipline and knowledge.
 It is self-contained.
 It is a gracious winner and an understanding loser.
More difficult than success itself is; how we handle success. Many people know how to become successful but after they become successful, they don't know how to handle it .That is why ability and character go hand in hand. Ability will get you success, character will keep you successful. We don't unfold or discover ourselves , we create and build ourselves into the kind of person we want to be. Character building starts from infancy and goes on until death. Character does not need success. It is success. Just like a gardener has to keep weeding to prevent weeds from eating the life of the garden, we need to keep building and developing our character by weeding out our faults. Adversity Builds and/or Reveals Character Under adverse circumstances, some people break records and others break down. A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor can you get the finest steel without putting it through fire. Similarly, adversity reveals a person's character and introduces it to himself.
 There is a saying that came from Russia: "A hammer shatters glass but forges steel." There is a lot of truth in it. Are we made of glass or steel? It is the same hammer.
 Just like carbon determines the quality of steel, character determines the quality of man.