What do Richard Branson (Virgin), Bill Gates (Microsoft), and Sara Blakely (Spanx) have in common besides being guests on Oprah? They all share these 21 admirable traits that I encourage you to adopt if you want to blaze your own path to financial freedom and happiness. (Hint- Oprah has them too!!!)

1. Fear Doesn’t Paralyze Them

Oprah says “I believe that one of life’s greatest risks is never daring to risk.”The feelings associated with fear are produced by chemicals released when are body goes into fight or flight mode. Entrepreneurs realize that there is no imminent danger, just huge potential for success when they feel this and it actually gets them motivated to move forward rather than paralyzing them.

2. They have a passion – making money is simply a byproduct

They all make money because they have found a unique way to solve their customer’s problem. None of them founded their company with a goal of getting rich. They had an idea. They had a plan that they followed. They know what the consumer wanted and delivered.

3. Entrepreneurs see failure as part of the path to success

They know that Henry Ford went bankrupt three times and that Coca-Cola only made $200 in their first year in business. They don’t see failure, they see failed attempt. Each failed attempt puts them closer to success.

4. Successful entrepreneurs surround themselves with a great team

They know their strengths and surround themselves with a team whose complimentary strengths make for a balanced workplace.

5. They indulge themselves

Building in rewards on your path to success is not only a great motivator, but often by creating small goals along the path to the finish line, you actually gain momentum towards the end which is the exact opposite of how a race is typically won.

6. They’re intentional

Their actions are aligned with the intention behind their goal. This allows them to avoid being sidetracked along the way. Having a clear and specific intention allows your energy to flow.

7. They start before they are ready

This is Marie Forleo’s mantra. Why? Because when we wait the perfect time, we are waiting for an impossible thing. Nothing is ever perfect

8. They are the chess players and not the pawns

They make bold moves and plan for all eventualities. They control the game only because they have released their attachment to outcome. This allows for bold moves.

9. They don’t waste time on email and social media

They use communication methods to their advantage. It doesn’t zap their valuable time.

10. They think outside the box

In the world today, the most successful billionaires have the same 24 hours and the same access to information as the rest of the planet. They set themselves apart by thinking differently than everyone else.

11. Their cup is always half full

Seeing opportunity in everything is a mindset not a personality trait. Successful people recognize their destructive thought patterns like self-doubt and hesitation and then they change them.

12. They take notes

Recognizing that they have very full lives, they take notes about anything that is not relevant to the task at hand and they return to it later. This organized focus allows creative multitasking without letting their work become scattered.

13. They work hard and play hard

For most successful entrepreneurs there is huge overlap between work and play. They know when to go hard and when to relax and rejuvenate.

14. They give useful feedback

Not only do they have a plan, they will listen to yours and give thoughtful advice. They know what they are good at and are generous in helping others to realize their dreams.

15. They like getting feedback

Being in a small percentile of super successful people, they recognize that their brains work differently than other people’s and they go to others for input recognizing that many perspectives are needed.Even if they find more critics than supporters than aren’t dissuaded from an idea once they get started.

16. Entrepreneurs network constantly

You never know where the next fabulous partnership will be formed so networking is part of what they do at every wedding, school ceremony and business meeting. There is never a wrong time to make the right connection.

17. They ask lots of questions

They are naturally curious about how things work and how others think. Asking questions not only endears them as interested, it also allows them to steer conversation to where it is most useful for them.

18. They surround themselves with the best

This included everything from the best staff and office equipment to the best doctors and lawyers. Their belief that everyone in their life is the best at what they do attracts people who want to be at the top.

19. They are thankful

They recognize the good things in their life and are regularly thankful for them. This is the attitude of gratitude. In Oprah Winfrey’s words “What you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it.”

20. They don’t sound rehearsed

They got where they are by being in touch with what they have that the world needs. They speak about it from the heart and never sound like used car salesmen who have a rehearsed elevator pitch and closing argument.

21. Their self-worth doesn’t fluctuate with their bank balance

Think of Donald Trump- his bank balance has been up and down like an elevator but his confidence and self-worth stay constant.
Start channeling these habits until they are second nature. Acting successful ultimately leads to being successful.