How do you define success?

Is it by the number of hours someone clocks every day at the office? Is it by the amount of money in someone's bank account? Is it by their job title? Is it by how much they donate to charity?

How individuals define success will vary depending on who you ask. I've been asked this question many times before, and my answer is always the same: I judge success by someone's passion, determination, and willingness to learn. In fact, I believe that these are the fundamental skills entrepreneurs and business leaders need to have in order to succeed. Without these traits, you'll find that it's more difficult to achieve your goals and transform yourself into the version of yourself you've always dreamed of becoming. Here's why.

Passion

I started my first business when I was just 16 years old. Some people believe that's too young to truly embody passion, but I disagree. I've always been fascinated by how I can change people's lives by helping to solve their greatest problems. This has sparked an endless flow of business ideas over the years. Some have turned into actual companies, while others haven't panned out. Either way, my passion for helping people has never waned. 

Entrepreneurship and leadership aren't easy, but passion equips us with the motivation necessary to get through the most challenging times.

Determination

Determination is another trait that helps business leaders see the silver lining in difficult situations. It's easy to make it through the workday when everything is in our favor, but what about when there are countless fires to put out and projects aren't moving as quickly as we'd like? 

When you are determined, you are willing to put in the effort to help grow your company and become a more successful leader. And in the future, you'll look back on these moments and be glad you pushed through.

A Willingness to Learn

Passion and determination are fairly common leadership traits. You'll hear a majority of entrepreneurs and business leaders mention these traits when they talk about what contributes to their success. However, I don't often hear leaders talk enough about why it's important to be open to feedback and willing to change. No one is perfect. Every business leader, from executives in your area to the billionaires we know by name, makes mistakes. You will not only learn from your own mistakes throughout your career, but you should be willing to learn from others as well. Considering other people's perspectives helps us become more well-rounded and evolve in ways we never thought possible. 

Are you a passionate leader? Are you determined to continue pushing the limits of what's possible in your industry? Are you serious about growing as an individual so you can continue growing your business? If you can answer 'yes' to all of these questions, then you've set yourself up for a lucrative career.