The cynic looks for reasons why it will not work, for ways to maintain the status quo and continue to do nothing. The explorer is seeking new information and ideas that will lead to the next level. Second, the successful producers are investors. Just as finding the best real estate deal has no value if you don't buy it, realizing your true value requires that you invest in yourself. You need to work continually to find the best path to achievement, and then put in what it takes in order to start down that path.
Investors buy the best deal, the best book, and the best tape series.
They are the people who are constantly reading, who are listening to audiotapes in their cars. They look for others who have been where they want to go, or who are going in their direction but are farther down the path. They stop and ask for directions when they get lost in life. The opposite of an investor is an excuse maker. Excuse makers are always looking back and covering their tracks.