A four-point guide to achieving success

What does being successful mean to all the youngsters out there? Does it mean securing a well-paid job irrespective of whether you really want it or not? Does it mean scoring the highest grades in college? All these may seem pretty important during one’s student days. But life has far more important lessons to teach. It is not about what others want you to be; rather, it is about who or what you want to be. Life is about choosing to do something with your passions and interests. In today’s rat race, it is crucial to take a break from our hectic schedules and reflect on what you really want to do in life. Sometimes you must listen to your heart to find your true self. People who have mentors to look up to are sure lucky. But if you are alone, fret not. One must pave one’s own way. Even if you are different from the others in your outlook towards certain things, you do not have to conform to the mainstream; your uniqueness will make you more successful than those who blindly follow the crowd. Here are a few more tips to guide you on your way to success:

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Do what interests you

True, it takes a lot of effort to start something from scratch, especially something like starting your own business. But do not give up on your dreams simply out of fear. You must sail against the winds when the time comes, but do not give up. Follow your heart. Experiment and seek out what you like. There are so many diverse fields to choose from nowadays; programming, gaming, music, performing arts, sciences, sports, to name a few. In the course of this, you will eventually find yourself.

Take calculated risks

You may fear that your ideas will not see the light of day, but you will never know for sure without trying. As Jeff Bezos says, “I knew that if I failed I wouldn’t regret that. But I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying.”

Never be afraid to experiment in life. Even Thomas Edison failed countless times before finally inventing the light bulb. It is not the achievement rather the journey and how you handle the obstacles in the way that matters.

Go against the tide

Being different is never easy. People will pick on you and call you a fool. Even your own family may turn a deaf ear to your ideas, but do not give up. You may be rejected by many investors, but that does not mean your idea is not worth the while. JK Rowling was rejected by many publishers before her manuscript was accepted and eventually became famous for her Harry Potter series. Einstein was a school dropout, but today we wouldn’t even have the GPS without his theory of relativity.

Have faith in yourself

Always believe in your abilities. Self-doubt is your greatest enemy. As Henry Ford put it, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.”

It is important to have vision so that your desire to create something unique always stays alive. Treat life like a huge playground, where learning never ends.

Let perseverance and patience guide you on your road of success. Do not be afraid to be different. It is this difference that appeals to people more at the end of the day.