10 simple behavior patterns of the most successful people

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Success takes many forms. You can have monetary success, political success, in the form of power, or even cultural success, in the form of fame.

I spent a good part of last year interviewing the most successful people I know. These were ordinary people who've achieved extraordinary success. I eventually turned those interviews into a book.

What I discovered is that these people are just like you. They work at their craft. They push to radically improve themselves and their lives.

What's intriguing to me is that, after speaking with 24 people (my late father included), I began to see patterns. Systems in which these people were able to cultivate rich and fulfilling work and home lives.

Here are 10 simple patterns of those successful people:

1. Create your own reality: Oren Klaff

Oren has closed over $1 billion in funding for his clients. He's also the author of the best-selling "Pitch Anything." Oren is a master at sales pitching. When I spoke with him, he made it clear that pitching is a game.

He also made it clear that you can create your own reality in any meeting. Insure you never lead a pitch with details. Start by stimulating the reptilian fight-or-flight part of their brain.

A fresh, new approach, with powerful results. The book is worth reading.

2. Embrace change: Jeffrey Hayzlett 

Jeffrey is the former CMO of Eastman Kodak. When Jeffrey realized that his company wasn't nimble enough to evolve, he reinvented himself.

Now he's a New York Times best-selling author, keynote speaker, and media juggernaut. He could have scampered off into the dark corners of the business world. Instead, he pivoted and won.  

If you find yourself in a bad situation, know that you can find alternatives.

3. Work harder: Rosanna Scotto

Rosanna Scotto has been in media broadcasting for years.  I confess that the first time I met her on the couch of Good Day New York, I was struck by her beauty.

So I asked her how this has impacted her career. She shared, "You better back up that beauty with hard work."

Nothing is more potent when seeking recognition as hard work.