It is a small thing that makes a big difference. A successful student's attitude is pro active and is positive. They think I can, instead of, I don't know if I can or I can't. Successful students also see themselves as confident, self assured and capable. Other students see themselves as inadequate, not that capable and not that smart, just average.
Successful students see themselves as extraordinary.
Successful students have high self esteem which makes it possible for them to try harder, work harder and be more persistent. Persistency is another aspect that successful students possess which other students are lacking. The average or not so average student encounters obstacles and because of low self esteem or feelings of being incapable, frustrations set in and they give up. On the other hand, successful students have a lot of persistence. They don't give up easily.