Success is often attributed to many things, especially in business. I have found through many experiences that some of the influences to success are often listed as the reasons for success.

For example, education is often given as a reason for success or the assumption someone will be successful. Now, dont get me wrong, I am a big supporter and believer in education and its ability to create a more equal playing field for all. I have an MBA myself and value the information I learned getting it. However, I see it as an influence to success, not a reason. The world is full of educated underachievers and even derelicts. Dont think so? Go to a skid row and ask around; you might be surprised what you hear.

How about genius? Isnt genius a reason for success? Many geniuses have been successful, but many have not. We all remember the most likely to succeed from high school and college and where most of them are today. Unrewarded genius is almost an adage! High intelligence is just that, high intelligence, certainly not a reason for success.

How about talent? If anyone has spent time out in the world they know from experience that it is commonplace to see unsuccessful people with talent. They are in every organization of every kind. I spent several years on the fringes of professional sports. Unfulfilled talent was more commonplace than a pair of Nikes in a large gym. I cant count the number of talented athletes who never utilized and developed their incredible gifts.

No, I believe there are really only three reasons for success; all else are influences. Determination and persistence are two of the real reasons that most people succeed. All research I have seen on millionaires and other successful people bears this out. To paraphrase Donald Trump when asked what he did when he was $900 million in debt with no light at the end of the tunnel: I just kept working hard, never giving up. I knew I would find a way out. And he did!

One more reason, maintaining a positive outlook. So many people see the obstacles in front of them but highly successful individuals see the opportunities that are hidden behind the obstacles. They block out the justifications that hold most people back and focus on what can be, not what might happen.

Persistence, Determination, and Positive Outlook, we could all learn from this simple lesson!!