10 Traits of a Successful Woman

Discover the powerful characteristics that can move you from ordinary to extraordinary.

By Kelley A. Bjorkland

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're endowed with greatness, and only you can unlock the chest that contains that powerful, priceless commodity. A successful woman exhibits the following 10 traits. They're a part of her character; are they a part of yours?

  1. She has a positive attitude. There's no energy that can mimic what's released when a positive, high-stepping woman enters a room. A positive attitude is the fuel needed to drive us from idea conception to realization.

    A positive attitude takes conscious effort on your part. Arrest negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. Listen to the things you're saying to yourself in your mind. Deliberately use words that focus on constructive, affirming truths about yourself.

    To help you stay positive, surround yourself with people who'll encourage, inspire and believe in you. If you have a positive attitude, you'll be able to see the potential that lies within you.
  2. She can overcome obstacles. Women who've struggled in their lives tend to have amazing inner strength. Use adversity to your advantage. At the end of a struggle, you're a better, more valuable person. Helen Keller said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved." Find what you're meant to learn in a struggle, and you'll see that it isn't as fierce as it appears to be.
  3. She is strong-minded. Strong minded doesn't mean that you're rude, conceited or destructive. On the contrary, a strong-minded woman displays confidence. When you're strong minded, you're empowered, possess a healthy self image and take responsibility for your life. The entrepreneurial spirit, by its very nature, requires us to consider possibilities that most aren't brave enough to.
  4. She is soft-hearted. Charity and compassion allow us to reach beyond our cookie-cutter lives and make a difference in the lives of others. By reaching out to others, we grow as individuals. A woman with a compassionate heart has great influence.
  5. She has integrity. You don't need to leave victims in your path to be victorious. You don't need to step on others to step to the next level. Integrity must be the very core of your character. Always put honor before dollars and live by your convictions. As you gain respect and trust, your company will grow. People seek to do business with those they trust.
  6. She has balance in her life. Our lives revolve around four major categories: family and friends, health, wealth and spirit. These areas must be balanced to lead a fulfilled life. Evaluate your balance continually. A balanced life allows you to think clearly with imagination and optimism.
  7. She sets goals. Goals are dreams with a plan for realization. Commit your short- and long-term goals to writing. Record how and when you'll achieve them. Post your goals in plain sight and review them often. Record the reward when the goal is attained. Remember that you can't hit a mark you can't see, and continual success demands a plan.
  8. She is driven by a cause. Looking for the hole in the market is a strategic move in every entrepreneur's plan. Find the needs in your business ventures and pursue those causes with passion.
  9. She is a teacher. Great woman teach. People want to know what you have that ignites that flame within. We can help mold the great women of tomorrow.
  10. She's focused on the next step. The greatest point of resistance is just before breakthrough. We must have a stubborn resolve to see ourselves to the other side. When challenging circumstances seek to derail us, if we just take that next step, we'll find that we've made it.

Dare to struggle today so you can win tomorrow. Develop these traits, and you'll make a difference in your future.

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

Everyone Wants to Get Close to Their Favorite Artist. Here's the Technology Making It a Reality — But Better.
The Highest-Paid, Highest-Profile People in Every Field Know This Communication Strategy
After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.
Having Trouble Speaking Up in Meetings? Try This Strategy.
He Names Brands for Amazon, Meta and Forever 21, and Says This Is the Big Blank Space in the Naming Game
Business News

These Are the Most and Least Affordable Places to Retire in The U.S.

The Northeast and West Coast are the least affordable, while areas in the Mountain State region tend to be ideal for retirees on a budget.

Business News

A Mississippi News Anchor Is Under Fire for Quoting Snoop Dogg

WLBT's Barbara Bassett used the rapper's "fo shizzle" phrase during a live broadcast, causing the station to let her go.

Thought Leaders

Facing a Tough Problem? Try These Hacks to Find the Solution You Need

Not every problem has easy answers, and that's okay. Here are four ways you can free yourself from gridlock when you're stuck.

Buying / Investing in Business

The 19 Covenants of a Standard Franchise Agreement

A quick look at the promises, rights or duties that the franchisee or franchisor owes to the other.

Thought Leaders

The Collapse of Credit Suisse: A Cautionary Tale of Resistance to Hybrid Work

This cautionary tale serves as a reminder for business leaders to adapt to the changing world of work and prioritize their workforce's needs and preferences.

Career

Thinking of a Career Change? Here Are 4 Steps You Can Take To Get There.

Author Joanne Lipman on what experience and science tell us about successful job pivots.