Over the past two decades I have conducted an unofficial study of successful people. Without exception, those successful people I have visited with share several things in common.

They were persistent in their efforts. They were flexible in their methods. They were willing to find out what did not work, so they could construct something that did.

They have exceeded the performance of their peers, without straining. I'm not saying success was easy; each had a multitude of challenges and obstacles to overcome.

Yet, at the end not a single one has been able to point to something they had accomplished that really strained them. This world has become so used to "good enough" and "close enough for government work" that excellence seems to be a dying commodity.

These people also share a good work ethic. They return phone calls and emails. They say what they mean and they do what they say - these qualities, more so than education, experience or any other quantifiable characteristics is what they share.

With little more in common, these people came from all walks of life and many different types of companies, as well as the military. Now, I must point out at this point that almost of all them share something else. Many people find them intimidating. 

After a lot of research into this characteristic I have come to a conclusion that I talk about in my book Anderson's Rules. "If you are competent and you are confident, you will intimidate those around you who have less of either, and there is little you can do about it except disguise your competence and your confidence."

There is no "silver bullet". There are no overnight successes. While some folks do win the lottery, most have to work for what they get.

Our society has changed to the point that common sense is now an uncommon commodity. Flash and "Bling" may get your attention, but substance will hold it. We need to get back to basics.