The surprising keys to success: a new study found three secrets that will catapult you to the top. Hint: Talent isn't one of them.(YOU YOU YOU)

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* Rest easy, Casino girls: Reaching the pinnacle of your field doesn't require Oprah's cashola resources or Bill Gates' supergenius. According to a new study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, besides talent, getting ahead professionally hinges on certain key qualities ... and they're ones you 'already possess. Having a passion for what you're doing, a commitment to long-term goals, and the grit to persevere were found to be big predictors of success, says Angela Duckworth, PhD, lead author of the study and assistant professor of psychology "at the University of Pennsylvania.

Of course, these traits make perfect sense: Passion keeps you excited about the hard work required. Drive causes you to aim high. And grit helps you weather the inevitable hiccups. "What surprises most people is that these simple characteristics can actually trump your level of intelligence and experience when it comes to accomplishing what you want," says Carol Frohlinger, managing director for Negotiating Women. Stoke your reserves of these qualities and you'll be well on your way to stardom. Here's how.

SUCCESS SECRET 1 Passion

Being psyched to be a part of your industry keeps you on course, even on tedious days. But your passion won't knock on your door and identify itself. "You have to explore until something speaks to you," says Rebecca Shambaugh, author of It's Not a Glass Ceiling, It's a Sticky Floor.

To find your passion: Consider your best personality traits. If you are a nurturing type, teaching could be for you. If you're a social whirlwind, PR may be your thing: As you brainstorm options, use your college's alumni network to find someone with that job, and invite him or her to coffee. When you Walk away dying to learn more, you're on the right track.

And just because you 'already know the field you love, it doesn't mean that any related job will satisfy you. You can always keep customizing. 'Think about what parts of your day y(m look forward to, and then ask your boss for additional similar projects," says Frohlinger. Fill your day with more of what you like best and you'll create a job that exhilarates you and, therefore, one that you thrive in.