Studies have shown over time that these are the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs worldwide:

Essential Characteristics Of Successful Entrepreneurs

1. Self-confidence

Successful people have self-confidence in themselves and know that they are going to achieve to their fullest without a doubt.

2. Achievement Oriented

Successful entrepreneurs concentrate on achieving their specific goals, and not just accomplishing a lot of unrelated tasks. They focus on a direct path to achieving their goals, and they go straight to it, not deviate along other paths along the way.

3. Risk Takers

These entrepreneurs realize that there is a chance of loss inherent in achieving their goals, yet they have the confidence necessary to take calculated risks to achieve their goals.

Characteristics of successful entrepreneurs are that they are people who will make decisions, take action, and not only think, but know that they can control their own destinies. They are often motivated by a spirit of independence which leads them to believe that their success depends on raw effort and hard work, not luck.

So which of these three main characteristics so far is the most important?

Believe it or not, it has to be self-confidence. Without self-confidence, nothing else is possible. If you don’t believe in your abilities, then the first challenge that arises may knock you off the path to achieving your goals. Here are a few more things that most successful entrepreneurs have in common.

5. Positive Thinkers

One of the most important characteristics of successful entrepreneurs is that they are all positive thinkers.

It all starts with a positive attitude, and in believing that something good will happen. This is the first step. Negative thinking simply is not allowed in their vocabulary.  Successful entrepreneurs truly believe that there are no circumstances strong enough to deter them from reaching their goals.

Remember too, that positive thinking can be contagious. When positive thinking spreads, it can open doors to new ideas, customers, friends, etc.

6. Successful Entrepreneurs Take Persistent Action

Now all of the positive thinking and believing in the world is useless if it is not applied towards a goal.

Characteristics of successful entrepreneurs are that they take action and don’t allow excuses to get in the way. This action must also be persistent. Trying once and then giving up is not going to be enough. Keep at it one step at a time. If you can’t get past a certain step, then find a creative way to try again or just go around it.

7. Successful Entrepreneurs Are Responsible

Top entrepreneurs in our society have an attitude of responsibility and are self-employed. That’s essential because 100 percent of entrepreneurs are self-employed—they are presidents of their own personal services corporation.

The biggest mistake an entrepreneur can make is to think that they work for somebody else. The person who signs the paycheck may change, but entrepreneurs stay constant, reliable, responsible and self-employed.

Successful entrepreneurs have no choice, they have to be responsible. No one will ever do it for them. It’s the most liberating and exhilarating thought of all, to think, to realize, that they are the president of their own lives.

8. Entrepreneurs Never Stop Learning

High achievers recognize that if they’re not continually getting better, they’re getting worse. They read they listen to CDs and they take additional training. The professional never stops learning. So read, listen to CDs and take continuous training and remember that you never know it all and you can always learn something new.

Now that we have identified a few of the traits that are common among successful entrepreneurs, it’s time to picture yourself in five years and in ten years and see yourself where you want to be.

Now just maintain a strong belief in yourself and your skills, stick with it, and don’t give up. If you can do that, you’re already halfway there!