A few years ago, while interviewing some Silicon Valley achievers, I discovered that successful people are dreamers, shakers and movers. While others talk about their dreams, achievers are doing it. They dont wait for the right time, right weather or approval from others. They jump in and take charge. They have a lot of fun along the way as they explore, discover, plan and act on their dreams.

Take a look at the 8 traits listed below that identify the success strategies of the Silicon Valley achievers that I interviewed. Evaluate yourself on each trait and practice improving those traits that need strengthening. In no time you will find yourself achieving more than you ever dreamed possible.

The Success Traits of Silicon Valley Dynamos

1. Believe in Yourself. Be positive. Be bold. Silicon Valley role models are assertive and confident in their decisions and activities--they believe they can do what they aim to do. And they know that the only limits that really count are the ones people place upon themselves. Looking for the good in other people, dynamos approach life with enthusiasm. Practice builds self-confidence. Just like Olympic champions, practice until you get it right and have an insurmountable belief in yourself that you can do it.

2. Educate Yourself. Knowledge is power--increased knowledge strengthens self-esteem. The dynamic people interviewed practice honing their skills every day; learning is a lifelong habit they enjoy. They operate like Olympians who practice their skills daily for success--they read, attend seminars, take higher- learning classes, find mentors, and learn everything they can on the job. To get what they want, theyre willing to go the extra mile in search of answers. With childlike ingenuousness, theyre willing to ask questions of knowledgeable people who have the answers they need to reach success.

3. Work with Winners. Super achievers know enough to ask for help and advice. No one succeeds alone. When making an uncomfortable change is necessary, they garner support. Gail Turner, the first woman to build her own experimental aircraft and fly solo from California to Wisconsin, had 30 friends help her build her second airplane. They came because they were caught up in her dream and her enthusiasm was infectious. Dont be afraid to ask for help, Gail said. Get advice: Successful people love to help others actualize their dreams.

4. Take Risks. They pushed through their fear. They kept on going and kept failure in perspective. None of them saw an obstacle as the end. They kept on going trying other routes until they found one that worked. They pushed through fear by taking more risks. They saw risk as challenges and opportunities. Networking trailblazer, Cesar Plata of MuyBueno.Net said, As with anyone launching a startup business, I have endured many personal and financial sacrifices and struggles. I did not see these efforts as barriers; I accepted them as learning experiences. The way I see it, they were simply unmet challenges.

5. Exercise the Will to Change. Motivators inner strength keeps them on course. Will is like a muscle--it grows stronger when you exercise it regularly, said change expert Dr. Sidney B. Simon in his book, Getting Unstuck. Dynamos produce enough will to stay with any course of action they choose. Dynamos are passionate about their dreams--and they approach their goals creatively, open- mindedly, embracing change, and frequently looking for new opportunities.

6. Keep Hope Alive. Visionaries always see alternatives to problems: Light at the end of the tunnel. They look for options and ways to achieve their goals. Kilsoon Kim maintained hope that her children would be well educated--even after her husband died and she lost her home. She saved her money and her children did go to college. Stay focused on your goal and never give up.

7. Visualize and Dream. Dynamos clearly imagine reaching their goal. They see the end result in their minds eye and then turn their dreams into reality. They know what it takes to achieve their dreams, and they persevere until they reach their goal. Gail Turner dreamed about building her own airplane although she didnt know how to do it; she envisioned and believed it would happen.

8. Embrace Excellence. Achievers compete with themselves and attain excellence by challenging themselves to do better. Most avoid those deadly energy drainers: procrastination and perfectionism. Successful people practice self- improvement each day. Even if what they do isnt perfect, they remain flexible to keep on going.

Success is always a journey, said Sal Dossani, president of Joinus travel agency. Once we actualize a dream, in time we want to move on to something else that will challenge and fulfill our lives. Be creative and use your inspiration and imagination to follow your dreams.