There are many ‘rags to riches’ stories of people who came up the hard way to make their first million and the rest as they say was history. There is a thread of similarity running through the many stories of people from impoverished backgrounds that fought against all odds to do just more than make it!

What is impressive is that one and all have demonstrated a doggedness that is admirable. Every one of them believed in their dreams and was not content to let them remain dreams but to turn them into reality.

According to Lakshmi Mittal, owner of the world’s largest steel company Arcelor Mittal, “Everyone experiences tough times. It is a measure of your determination and dedication how you deal with them and how you can come through them.”

There is no magic pill or one fail-safe formula for guaranteed success – sheer grit, determination and a willingness to do whatever it takes, is just one formula that is needed to succeed in this world.

Everyone has the ability to become a billionaire. Within each and every one of us is the key to our own success and financial stability. Here are just 3 qualities that stand out as being present in all the billionaires I have studied. (Remember, even if you don’t want to become a billionaire, by embodying these qualities, you will be closer to reaching an elevated level of success and financial stability – whatever that is for you)

1. Belief in one’s self

Oprah Winfrey, was once quoted as saying she always knew she was destined for greatness. That sums this quality up perfectly!

Oprah had a knowingness inside and a belief that stemmed from the very core of who she was. It is this belief that has allowed her to touch the lives of millions of people across the globe and build a multi-media empire.

Too many people live with ‘what if’ scenarios and self-doubt. Both are guaranteed to poison and kill your dreams. No matter what your dream is or how far fetched it is, the degree to which you believe you will make it happen is the first step to realizing it in the material world. Your doggedness to do whatever it takes and determination to consistently take action steps to move you closer to your dream are the true keys to success and characteristics of a billionaire.

2. Remove the blinders – look for opportunities

Contrary to the mainstream consciousness of the planet, we live in a world of opportunity. Some of us trip over opportunities, others have them hit them in the face, and some have opportunities fall on them like a tonne of bricks. And let’s not forget those of us who have them served constantly on a platter. It matters not how these opportunities are delivered to us, what matters is our ability to see them for what they are. Billionaires see opportunities everywhere and whilst they focus on their end goal or vision, they keep their awareness expansive to ensure they are ready when opportunity comes knocking at their door.

They do one more thing that most people don’t… they take MASSIVE amounts of action. In fact a common strategy they all employ, is as soon as they get an idea or recognize a new opportunity, they implement one action step that will move them closer to the goal.

Don’t sit around waiting for things to happen. Get in the game, remove your blinders and look for the opportunities in everything you do.

3. Know your Purpose and Vision

All billionaires have a vision bigger than themselves and a purpose that motivates them to jump out of bed every morning. When you can link your purpose to your vision, you are on the winning pathway to success.

Too many people chase the money for the sake of money itself, yet it those of us who chase the passion who reap the most rewards. Billionaires are where they are financially because they love what they do. They are energized and motivated by where they are spending their time and what they are creating.

Know what it is you want to create in your life, and make sure the vehicle you use to achieve that vision is one that motivates and excites you.