3. Perseverance

   Successful individuals kept pursuing their goals despite adversity. They maintained the attitude that difficult situations were necessary learning experiences and that in the end, their struggles would help them improve their character, and ultimately, reach their goals. Many described themselves in perseverant terms such as "I am not a quitter," and "I never give up."

4. Goal setting

   Adults in the successful group made reference to past and current goals in their lives. Many individuals indicated that goals had been identified early on, and that they had provided direction and meaning to their lives. They also showed evidence and awareness of the step-by-step process to reach their goals. Additionally, goals set by these individuals appeared realistic and attainable.

5. Presence and use of effective support systems

   Persons in the successful group frequently spoke about the support, guidance, and encouragement they received from "significant others." These "others" included friends, mentors, teachers, therapists, co-workers, or family members. Individuals in this group actively sought support and were able to attract or draw support to them. Furthermore, they were willing to accept support when offered. In many instances, these individuals actively maintained contact with "significant others" over the course of their lives. Also of note is the finding that these "significant others" appeared to hold clear and realistic expectations for the individual.

6. Emotional stability

   Successful participants did not often report being diagnosed with identifiable psychological difficulties. This is not to suggest that they had not been diagnosed, nor never experienced psychological distress, but rather that they appeared to have developed effective means of coping with stress, frustration, and ambiguity. Additionally, individuals in this group were able to maintain a positive, optimistic, and hopeful outlook in the face of difficulties. They were also able to maintain positive peer relationships and draw upon social support systems in times of need.⁹

Summary

Many research studies have looked at the keys to successful employment for individuals with learning disabilities. According to the studies, factors that contribute to notable career success include persistence, goodness of fit, learned creativity and a strong social network. It's important for individuals with learning disabilities to understand that their strengths will most likely be based on their interests. Determining strengths will help them with career choices and can also help them identify marketable skills.