IMAGE: Getty Images

There are a number of qualities that help you succeed. Learning to be more likable and charming is one; so is becoming more charismatic. Developing greater willpower and mental toughness — both of which you can definitely develop — can also help.

And so does approaching certain situations with a consistent mindset. There are certain qualities that successful people tend to share — especially the successful people who also make a significant impact on the lives of other people.

See how many apply to you:

1. They look past the messenger to focus on the message.

When people speak from a position of position of power or authority or fame, it’s tempting to place greater emphasis on their input, advice, and ideas.

Warren Buffett? Yep, gotta listen to him. Sheryl Sandberg? Yes. Richard Branson? Absolutely.

That approach works to a point-but only to a point. Really smart people strip away all the framing that comes with the source — both positive and negative — and evaluate information, advice, and input idea based solely on its merits.

When Branson says, “Screw it; just do it and get on with it,” it’s powerful.

If the guy who delivers your lunch says it, it should be just as powerful.

Never discount the message because you discount the messenger. Good advice is good advice — regardless of the source.

2. They work hard to collect knowledge…

Competing is a fact of professional life: with other businesses, other products, other people. It’s not a zero sum game, but it is a game we all try to win.

Smart people win a lot.

Smarter people win even more often.

Continually striving to gain more experience, more experience, and more knowledge is the second-best way to succeed.

3. …But they work even harder on collecting knowledgeable people.

You can’t know everything. But you can know enough smart people that together you know almost everything.

And, together, do almost anything.

Work hard on getting smarter. Work harder on getting smart people on your side.

How? Read more…