1
Identify your passions. Before you can achieve success, you will have to define what success means to you. While it may take years to realize what you want to do with your life, identifying your passions, interests, and values will help you set goals and give your life a sense of meaning. If you have trouble identifying these things, then ask a friend or family member to help you. Ask yourself the following questions:
What do you want your legacy to be?
How would you like to be remembered by others?
How do you want to make your community a better place?
What are some favorite subjects of interest in your life? For example, think of subjects you enjoyed studying in school. Ask why you liked them.[1]
For instance, you may have loved musical theater. Think: was it because you loved the music, or was it because you loved working with a big group towards a common goal?
2
Make a list of your goals, and what you might do to achieve them. Be sure to address both short-term and long-term goals; try to think beyond financial and career goals, such as relationship goals, personal goals for bettering yourself, things you would like to experience, or things you want to learn. Draw up a timeline that says when you want to achieve each part.[2]
Set SMART goals; goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Break big goals down. For instance, if your goal is to see the world, you can set the goal of saving money and visiting certain countries.the minutes until the day ends, it is probably because you feel disconnected from what you're doing.
Cherish your time. Try to spend your free time doing things that you enjoy doing, rather than wasting time. For example, rather than spending your weekends watching television, spend them partaking in your hobbies or spending time with loved ones and new friends.
Measure your productivity by engagement, not achievement. Not everything you do has to be productive in the conventional sense, but activities should be engaging and enjoyable.
Keep in mind that it is perfectly fine to spend some time doing nothing and just being lazy each day. This can actually help with your imagination and self-awareness. Strive for a balance between doing things you want to do and allowing yourself to just “be.”
4
Stick to your commitments. Planning is not sufficient; keeping your word is also important. If you tell someone you will do something, do it. Similarly, don't tell someone you will do something if you're not sure you can. Be honest about your limits.[4]
Avoid canceling plans, and try not to cancel twice on the same person.
Make commitments to yourself, and stick to them. Write down your commitments and hang them in places you can see.
Make sure that your commitments are gradually moving you towards your goals. Review your goals now and then to make sure you are moving in the right direction.
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Part Two of Four:
Achieving External Success
1
Be educated. Education gives you the knowledge, skills, and credibility to achieve your maximum potential. In terms of financial success, statistics have shown that the more education you have (i.e. the higher degree you achieve), the more money you are likely to make.[5]
In 2011, the median weekly earnings for high school graduates was $638 while those with bachelor's degrees made $1053. That same year, those with masters or doctoral degrees made $1263 and $1551 respectively.
Not all education has to be formal. Apprenticeships and long-term training programs are also positively correlated with higher incomes. Obtaining a Certificate in your field can help to increase your salary.
Educate yourself for pleasure as well. The more you know about the world you live in, the more questions you will have and the more interested you will be.
2
Manage your finances. Learning how to manage your money will help ensure your financial stability over time, regardless of your income.[6]
Keep track of your expenses. Subtract your monthly expenses from your monthly income to determine how much spending money you have available each month. Also, review your bank statements often and notice where you spend your money. This will help you prevent over-spending and ensure that your bank statements are correct.
Understand your income. When calculating your income, be sure to take into account the federal, state, and social security taxes that will be deducted from your gross pay. Don't overlook miscellaneous deductions, such as health insurance premiums, savings bonds and loan payments. The resulting number is your net pay, which is what you end up taking home with you.
Cut back. If you are not earning enough money to cover your net expenses, then look into your expenses to see where you might be able to cut back.
Save money. Every month, you should deposit some of your money into a savings account. Consider asking your employer to directly deposit a portion of your income into your savings account.
Invest cautiously. If your workplace offers a retirement savings plan, put your excess incomes in that.
3
Manage your time. Putting off important tasks until the last minute can cause you unnecessary stress, and increase the likelihood of errors and negligence. Manage your time so that you have enough time to complete tasks effectively.
Use a planner to help keep you organized throughout the day, week, and month.
Set reminders on your smart phone and make use of its electronic timer for better time management.
Make a list of all the things you need to do in a given
, 4
Set boundaries with others. Advocate for your own needs. Be caring towards others, but don't accept abuse from anyone. Remember, being a good person does not mean you have to take violent or disrespectful language or actions from anyone.[11]
Respect the boundaries others set for you, too. Listen to your loved ones when they tell you they need space, or want to do something alone. check off each task as you com
