Here is the must read list of the qualities, characteristics, and habits of the successful.

1. They look for and find opportunities where others see nothing.

2. They find lessons while others only see problems.

3. They are solution focused.

4. They consciously and methodically create their own success.

5. They may be fearful, but they are not controlled or limited by fear.

6. They ask the right questions — the ones which put them in a positive mindset and emotional state.

7. They rarely complain.

8. They don’t blame, and take complete responsibility for their actions and outcomes.

9. They always find a way to maximize their potential, and use what they have effectively.

10. They are busy, productive and proactive.

11. They align themselves with like-minded people.

12. They are ambitious.

13. They have clarity and certainty about what they want.

14. They innovate instead of imitate.

15. They don’t procrastinate.

16. They are life-long learners.

17. They are glass half full people, while still being practical and down-to-earth.

18. They consistently do what they need to do, regardless of how they are feeling on a given day.

19. They take calculated risks.

20. They deal with problems quickly and effectively.

21. They don’t believe in, or wait for, fate, destiny, chance or luck.

22. They take action before they have to.

23. They are more effective than most at managing their emotions.

24. They are good communicators.

25. They have a plan for their life and they work methodically to turn that plan into a reality.

26. They become exceptional by choice.

27. They work through the tough stuff that most would avoid.

28. They have identified what is important to them and they do their best to live a life which is reflective of those values.

29. They have balance. They know that money is a tool and ultimately, it’s just another resource.

30. They understand the importance of discipline and self-control.

31. They are secure in their sense of self-worth.

32. They are generous and kind.

33. They are happy to admit mistakes and apologize.

34. They are adaptable and embrace change.

35. They keep themselves in shape physically.

36. They work hard and are not lazy.

37. They are resilient.

38. They are open to, and more likely to act upon, feedback.

39. They don’t hang out with toxic people.

40. They don’t invest time or emotional energy into uncontrollable things.

41. They are happy to swim against the tide.

42. They comfortable with their own company.

43. They set high standards for themselves.

44. They don’t rationalize failure.

45. They know how to relax, enjoy what they have in their life and to have fun.

46. Their career is not their identity, it’s their job.

47. They are more interested in what is effective than in what is easy.

48. They finish what they start.

49. They realize that not only are they physical and psychological beings, but emotional and spiritual creatures as well.

50. They practice what they preach.

Sources:

• Lifehack May 12, 2008

We are living in the “information age,” and marketing information on the internet is the utmost product to market. An article by Peter Drucker in Forbes magazine referred to education on line as the next biggest internet trend…a 100 billion dollar a year industry! And, that’s just education. It makes sense, though. Most people are open to information and education that will help them create a better lifestyle and achieve their goals.

Becoming wealthy is everyone’s possibility, but being job dependent is not the way to reach financial freedom. Financial literacy and self mastery are crucial to attaining those lifestyle and financial security goals. When an individual’s self worth and his net worth are one, then he can live a life of true balance and wealth.

Perhaps the timing is right for you to take a closer look at the opportunities available to the entrepreneur in you!

Besides experiencing the joy and pride of finding your passion and investing in yourself, you will appreciate some of the other very real advantages being in charge. Listed below are some reasons why you should be a business owner according to Kathy Anderson, a writer in the area of careers and employment.

1. Job Security. Business owners never lay themselves off! As a matter of fact, if the business slows, they have the option of doing whatever it takes without asking permission.

2. Maximum Pay. Business owners can choose their wage. They can create more business when they need or want more money. Employees work to make the business owner rich.

3. Flexibility. Business owners can choose their work schedule. They can plan around family events, and vacations can be incorporated into business trips.

4. Control. Business owners are free from being told what, how and when to do their jobs. There is no one judging them or looking over their shoulders.

5. Tax Benefits. Business owners have the advantage of more tax savings than employees. They can deduct the expenses of a home office or business trips that also are partially vacations. The tax savings are many and varied compared to those of an employee.

6. Retirement. In today’s world, retirement is unsure and risky for many. People who have worked for the same company for many years plan on a good retirement. Too often the good retirement they had planned on isn’t there when they retire. Creating your own business that can last long past your retirement can provide more security. You can train others to run your business so that you can retire when you want with a good passive income.

Time to rethink starting your own business? It’s not too late to plan for the rest of your life!

A survey by The Associated Press found that most Boomers expect to retire around age 63…BUT….66% of them expect to work for PAY after retiring! The reasons vary from desperately needing the additional income to just keeping busy to wanting a few extras. Opportunities abound, and, today, the Boomers have more access to self employment options via the internet than ever before.

Some of the Boomers will have the opportunity to reinvent themselves with a new business venture or take a hobby to financial fruition. They will have the means to follow a new dream during the next stage of their lives. Stories are everywhere recounting the Boomers who already have become their own bosses and been quite successful!

Others will not have the luxury of tapping into a nest egg or retirement fund to try out their “entrepreneurial wings”. These are the folks who need to find a way to supplement their Social Security without the backing of retirement funds they do not have. It would appear to be a grim picture, but there is hope for those who are disciplined and can commit to learning a new business. For these folks there are opportunities…it’s a matter of how badly they want to improve their situations and how diligent they are in their search for an opportunity that is a good match for them.

More later….

Jill

Further research shows that managers and professionals perceive they are working HARDER and under more STRESS! Part of that could be attributed to the fact that technology allows people to be in constant contact with their work…ipods, email, cell phones, laptops. No wonder that people feel as though they are working all the time. Even if they are not, the potential is there to fill every waking hour with work!

So, it seems to me, that if you are going to be working long hours and working hard, your work must be something you love… especially if you are going to be at it into your retirement years!

Do you think it’s time to take a second look at where you are and where you want to go in this arena? Your work should be your play ….it’s not too late to make it so!

More later…

Jill

A recent survey conducted by The Employee Benefit Research Institute indicated that the number of people putting off retirement is steadily increasing…simply because they cannot afford to retire. Only 18% of workers were confident about having enough money for a comfortable retirement. And, the other 82%? Well, they have accepted the fact that they will be working far into their retirement years.

Is there a fix for the 82%. Maybe, maybe not. I do know that just the health care costs are a huge part of this picture, but not just for those looking at retirement and long term health care possibilities, but also those who have already retired. Nearly half of our current retirees indicated that they have spent much more than anticipated on health and medical. For the first time, retirees fear outliving their retirement savings. Living longer is a double-edged sword!

Boomers, take heed! More than half of the already retired folks are more concerned about their financial future NOW than when they first retired!

More later….

Jill

This site is a platform for me to share some facts about the Boomers…where they have been and where they are going.

I hope you will enjoy reading my findings and also feel free to add your comments.

Jill Scott