What Makes a Successful Career

The reasons why people succeed in their careers are probably as numerous as the number of successful people. When we begin to think about the qualities these people possess, it becomes apparent that we can classify or catagorize them into a few specific groups–those who really enjoy their work, those who are obsessed with their work (they either want to be the “best” or have a fear of failure), those who are blessed with exceptional talent in their field, and those who have planned their work and worked their plan. Perhaps as I describe them, you will identify which group applies to you. The first group of people with successful careers I’d like to discuss is those who simply enjoy their work. This group of people is very fortunate, or lucky if you prefer, because they have found a job they do well and can do it without having to deal with the negativity normally associated with work. They get up every morning, head to work, and are glad to be going, unlike most of us who can only think about all of the other things we would rather be doing. With this group, few things give them as much pleasure in life as knowing that although today’s work is done, they can do it all again tomorrow. Having that kind of outlook on ones career is a success, despite how much money you make or how well you perform at work. In the next group we find individuals who are obsessed with their work. These people have no room in life for anything but their career. Friends, family, marriage, recreation all come secondary to success in the work place. There are any number of explanations for why these people are the way they are and, while I’m no psychologist, I’d like to offer my own personal observation. Of the people I’ve known over the years who fall into this category two basic types exist. One is the person who has to be the “Best”. It makes no difference what they are doing; this individual will pour every