Some successful people went to Harvard, while some dropped out of Harvard. Some people started their first business when they were 20, and some worked for someone else for 20 years. It might seem like anything works, that there’s no set formula to become a successful person. There are, however, habits that every successful person maintains. These habits aren’t difficult, either. You don’t have to be rich or brilliant; you just have to be determined.

Highly successful people:

1. Are Positive Thinkers

They don’t waste time complaining or being negative. Instead of being brought down by things they can’t control, successful people put a positive spin on things, learn from it, and truck on through.

2. Are Responsible For Themselves

Being highly successful doesn’t mean you don’t make mistakes, but it does mean that you take responsibility for your actions. Don’t blame others when you make a mistake; don’t blame traffic for making you late. Own up and don’t be afraid to admit when you mess up.

3. Are Great Communicators

Communicating doesn’t mean you’re a great public speaker; you don’t have to have that skill. But you do need to know how to share what you think and how you feel with others. The better you’re able to communicate, the more people will understand your vision and be able to help you accomplish it.

4. Are Problem Solvers

Highly successful people don’t get thrown off track by problems. They are solution-minded, so they jump from being faced by a problem to visualizing, and then implementing, their solution. They learn from both the problem and their solution so they will be better prepared down the line.

5. Do Their Own Thing

When you imitate others, you are keeping yourself from reaching your full potential. Successful people march to the beat of their own drum, standing up for what they’re passionate about and are true to themselves. They know what their goals are and will be innovative to reach them.

6. Stay Busy

Sitting on the couch watching a marathon on Netflix feels really good, but what else could you be doing with that time? Highly successful people don’t waste their time; they’re always busy working towards their goals. It doesn’t mean you can’t relax, but it does mean that you need to prioritize. Work during the hours when you’re most awake and productive. When you relax, instead of just spacing out, let your mind wander and see what solutions you might come up with when you’re not consciously working hard.

7. Keep Their Emotions In Check

You don’t have to be an emotional robot, but don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Don’t let people see you angry or upset when you’re in a professional setting. Don’t let a breakup or misstep in your personal life derail all you’ve worked for professionally. Don’t waste emotions on things you can’t control; worrying over every little thing will drain you. Focus on what you know you can change and accomplish and let your worries roll off your back.

8. Have Balance

Don’t work too hard without giving yourself time off. For as much as you push yourself professionally, make sure you dedicate the same passion to your personal life.

9. Are Kind To Others

Highly successful people didn’t become successful by ignoring others. They don’t run over people who stand in their way, but learn from them. They don’t take sole credit for team efforts, but give props where they’re due. Showing kindness will help you get farther than being in it for yourself. Helping others will ensure they will help you when they can.

10. Visualize Their Success

Instead of waiting for things to happen to you, make them happen for you! Don’t wait on fate or luck, but picture what outcome you want, or what goal you want to achieve, and make it happen. By visualizing what the final product will be, you’re already making something happen. You know the end game, so now you can start working towards that goal.

11. Are Confident

People who accomplish their goals are confident in their abilities. They have discipline, self-control, and can push themselves to use all of their talents. They can take criticism from others and not feel torn down by it, but instead learn from it and build themselves up even more from the feedback.

12. Follow Through

It can be easy to start a project, but sometimes you lose interest or don’t have what you need to finish. Highly successful people finish what they start. If you’re not sure, from the beginning, what you can finish, then don’t take on a project. This is where visualizing your success can really help you: Can you picture the final product of a project? Can you reach the result you picture? If not, it’s better to pass up on a responsibility rather than take it on and not deliver your best work. Whatever you work on, do your best and finish it so you have a product you’re proud of. This shows everyone what you’re capable of, and builds your esteem and professional standing.

13. Never Stop Learning

Highly successful people never stop learning. You don’t have to be enrolled in classes to learn. Every mistake you make, every new person you meet, is an opportunity to learn more. Research things that interest you, study to be the best at your job, read up on current events. Take advantage of every opportunity you have to learn!