Have you ever wondered what makes people successful? What are their well-kept secrets that let them turn everything into gold? How come only a select few were privy to these secrets? Wouldn't you give just about anything to be let in on some of these valuable secrets?

Some people attribute success to intelligence. Ironically, mediocre intellectual abilities also have gone on to make great people. I am not talking about Aristotle or Napoleon. But look at the regular guy in the cabin next to yours.

Well, that regular Joe has certain qualities that you probably don't. Sharp intelligence alone does not make for great achievements. Exceptional intellectual abilities coupled with a strong sense of direction are what bring these gems to the top. Sheer determination, commitment and dedication make all the difference. Bull headedness, some may call it. Determination is what I'd call it.

Yes, there definitely are some powerful weapons used by these people. But, there's nothing secretive about them. What distinguishes the successful man from others around him is his sheer grit and courage. The ability to latch on to an idea and scale all possible barriers to actualize the idea is what makes great men. It seems almost divine that such men were in the right place at the right time. They seem to have benefited from all the "right" coincidences. But, make no mistake; the turn of events that seem to have created such men are actually crafted cleverly by these very same people.

The ability to keep the faith when the going gets really tough is another trait of successful people. Most people would give up after an initial struggle. But the truly exceptional ones are those that have kept on slogging at their pet projects long after everyone else is tucked safely in bed. The ability to cope with extreme pressure and still keep up their belief is what makes these men stand out.

Someone once said that successful men are like sore thumbs, put them anywhere and they'll stick out. This is true because these men will find opportunities where none existed before. They will study, learn and innovate till things start going their way. A busy mind that is always working away at various permutations and combinations is what these gifted people have. Their sense of direction in turbulent times, their capacity to stand up to criticism, and their willingness to take high risks are no secrets.

But, ordinary people like you and me would like to believe that these geniuses have something extra in them that keep them floating at the top. Perhaps, it's man's inability to look his failures in the eye, but all this hype about secrets to easy and quick success is just eyewash. There are NO secrets, just hardworking men and women who have had the courage to stick with their beliefs and ideas when everyone else turned homewards.

Remember being succesful starts with everyday things like getting your credit card debt under control and ends with investing your well earned money in the stock market or however you want to spend them.