By Lubna Abdel-Aziz What makes a winner? Talent? Intelligence? Confidence? It is not one quality alone, but a combination of multiple elements that form the art of winning, still the answer remains elusive and non-conclusive. Psychologists, neurologists and anthropologists have tried to study and analyze the various characteristics of winners throughout history, and in different societies and cultures. Details have varied from person to person. therefore no secret formula, has been produced. Still, a common set of theories and principles has emerged. The question at hand is as old as mankind, and the answer is far from easy. Not only is it complex, it is downright perplexing. Winners can become losers overnight and vice-versa. Consider the case of champion golfer, . Winners are vastly different, possessing different qualities and applying different methods and techniques. Most studies are concentrated on successful businesses, outstanding politicians and champion sports teams. We have exerted every effort to find a common ground for the many success stories, and were surprised to discover that a key ingredient for success is sincerity, plain and simple. Perhaps, not so simple. Winners styles are part and parcel of their personality structure. Their understanding of themselves gives them an insight for understanding others. Their comfort level is high, allowing them to shine and excel.. Enthusiasm is a backbone of sincerity . It is a strong warm emotion generally contrasted with apathy which is defined as lack of emotion or interest. Another common trait among winners is their ability to connect, to charm, to engage.. They exert a strong influence on others, and are able to lead them.. A positive attitude is the foundation of achievement. Those who meet challenge with courage and covictiob, complete their task, as opposed to the meek and cowardly, who give up at the first road-block Overcoming obstacles is tantamount to success, and it is directly related to the degree of motivation. Are we born winners or losers? Does our environment dictate our destiny? Clearly not. Winners are not always born to wealth, power or position. Achievers learn to achieve. Dynasties are created by achievers, ambitious, intelligent, hard- working and focused. What about luck? It would be easy to dismiss it, and noble to claim that we make our own luck, but luck is a bigger part of our lives than we realize. Reasoning it is useless, yet luck cannot be denied. The trick is to seize the moment, accept it and benefit from it. How lucky are the Bill Gates and Warren Buffets? Are all the prominent bankers, business men, politicians, rock-stars, actors, models lucky? Or are they more intelligent, more dedicated, more talented , more beautiful? The answer is not clear cut. Winners are not necessarily the most attractve, cunning or talented. Cashing in on every opportunity is key. Do not miss it. Remember: "there is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, Leads on to fortune" Shakespeare would know. How can we put potential winners on the winning track? After extensive reading on the subject I have come to one definite conclusion: Winners differ from others in the way they think. Thinking correctly under pressure is what separates the winners from the losers.Winners minds are tuned to a remarkable commitment to succeed in pressure as well as non- pressure conditions. Can we become winners? A hundred times 'Yes'.. A summary of what most experts think is included in Pat Williams 38 books on the Ways to Win .Here's a brief summary; First you must start with a dream. Without a dream, no dream can come true. Put your dream into action, do not just leave it hanging. Once you do that you gain confidence. Confidence is the result of thorough preparation. Next comes focus. Focus is an earmark of all winners. Focus on the now and how, not on the when and where. Remember you can only handle today, tomorrow is another day. Winners have a unique ability to focus on the now. Passion is a main ingredient, with an abundance of zeal and zest. Do not hold back for any reason., let your passion flow or even overflow., for the love of your task. No goal can be achieved without hard work, followed by responsibility. Would have committed these indiscretions, if his sense of responsibility was mature? Understanding that there is a consequence for every decision can make you or break you. Setting a goal is a powerful motivating force. Divide goals into short, medium and long term, focus on the short, but keep you eye always on the long term goal. Deadlines are encouraged. Self-discipline is next, followed by perseverance. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Hang in there and never quit. Learn to deal with adversity, strife makes for character. A positive attitude is on every scientist's list as a winner's attribute Paying attention to the little details will give support to the perfect whole..therefore seek nothing less than perfection. Never overlook the level of quality, that is what will finally endure. Last but not least, welcome competition. Winners thrive on it. ' You can,' said candidate Obama often. If you can control these elements, you can control your destiny. Napoleon is a supreme example of a winner, regardless of his tragic end. Rising from nothing and nowhere he came to nearly rule the world. His phenomenal talent lay in his ability to exploit the opportunities that lay before him Ambition alone is not enough, but aided by confidence and courage, passion and sincerity, it is everything. As we watch the Egyptian Football Team win the African cup for the third consecutive year, as we watch the world's best athletes compete in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and as we await Show Business's most coveted award known as the Oscars, we ponder the qualities and traits of winners and losers. Sincerity strikes us as an all inclusive complex emotion. To be a winner in this world, is it not best to be able to spend your life in exactly the way you want it? Is that not being sincere, above all, to yourself! That too, we ponder! " Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises " -- Demosthenes (384 BC-322BC)
