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What three things do the world's most successful people share in common? They have their own definition of success
they know the personality qualities that drive them
and they've seized their defining moments.

That's the idea in a new book that examines the personality traits of successful people across the globe. The book's authors say the lessons learned can help people succeed in their careers and in life.

Written by Herb Greenberg and Patrick Sweeney-who have advised more than 25
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companies in the areas of hiring
employee development
team building and organizational development-"Succeed on Your Own Terms" (McGraw-Hill
$21.95) offers readers practical tips and advice.

The book provides an in-depth look at more than four dozen talented individuals who have made their marks in business
politics
sports
the arts and global affairs. It also offers readers the chance to complete a free
in-depth personality profile (worth over $200) to help focus their energies on specific fields or goals. According to the book
successful people know that:

• Real success comes from recognizing
understanding
developing and concentrating on one's strengths. According to Paul Schulte
the youngest U.S. Olympic wheelchair basketball player at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney
that means "focussing on what you have
rather than what you don't have."

• Being self-aware means not letting the outside world define you and knowing what motivates you. For instance
Rebecca Stephens
the first British woman to climb Mount Everest
says
Success is the achievement of whatever it is that you set out to do. And it's up to you to decide what that is. It can't be determined by anyone else.


• Being willing to risk means being all right with the possibilities. Senator Barbara Boxer says she doesn't always succeed if that only means accomplishing what she wants. "I can feel successful just moving my agenda forward
she explains.

• When you love what you do, people can sense it in your presence.

Reading the book's success stories will help people gain a new perspective-one that can be useful when striving for success in their own lives.