What does it mean to be successful? Lots of money and fame, investments and ventures, properties, high-end vehicles? There are a lot of people that attribute success to wealth, to all the most lavish, grand, and expensive things in the world. But there are also people who have deeper meaning for success.

How do we characterize a successful person?  There are certain characteristics that a successful person possesses. They vary depending on the individual and their goals, but here are some common traits that many successful people share.

Goal-oriented: Successful people have a clear idea of what they want to achieve, and they set specific and achievable goals to get there. They have a sense of purpose and direction in their lives.

Persistence: Successful people don’t give up easily. They are willing to work hard and persevere through obstacles and setbacks to reach their goals.

Self-discipline: Successful people have the self-discipline to stay focused on their goals and follow through on their commitments. They have the ability to prioritize their time and energy to achieve their objectives.

Positive mindset: Successful people maintain a positive mindset and focus on solutions rather than problems. They are resilient and can bounce back from failures and setbacks.

Continuous learning: Successful people are lifelong learners who are constantly seeking new knowledge and skills. They have a growth mindset and are willing to take risks and try new things.

Strong work ethic: Successful people are willing to put in the time and effort required to achieve their goals. They are dedicated and hardworking and often go above and beyond what is expected of them.

Strong interpersonal skills: Successful people are often good communicators who have strong interpersonal skills. They are able to build and maintain positive relationships with others and work effectively in a team.

Adaptability: Successful people are adaptable and can navigate change and uncertainty. They are open to new ideas and are willing to adjust their approach as needed to achieve their goals.

Resilience: Successful people have the ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks. They have a strong sense of self and are able to persevere through challenging times.

These characteristics are important but let us not forget the most important trait, which is generosity. Success is nothing if you don’t know how to give back.

Dave Bolno, is an example of someone who is truly successful yet generous. He is willing to help and give back to whoever needs his resources. Being a business manager, he shares his knowledge and expertise with people. He performs his job for them with honesty and integrity. Giving excellent service to his clients is his way of giving back to them. He is not only helping the big personalities from the entertainment industry like Justin Bieber, Drake, Post Malone, Pharrell Williams and Will.i.am; but he is also lending a hand to deserving students through scholarship.

In 2011, during the launch of Drake’s Take Care album, Dave received a heartwarming message from Drake saying, “thank you for pulling my life together for me and putting me in a position where I can now begin to build my empire.”

When someone shows gratitude to you, that is an indication of how successful you are, and for Dave Bolno, his success was achieved by being there for people who need his time and knowledge.

Indeed, success goes beyond financial wealth or career achievements. Success can also be measured by the positive impact a person has on others and the world around them, and generosity, being open-handed, and giving back can play a role in achieving this kind of success.