No one actually owns them.
That's it. That's all you really need to know. If there is one thing you take away from this article, it is that.
No one really owns the keys to success.
They aren't owned, lost, stolen, regifted, taken by the bank, borrowed, nothing. They aren't exclusive. The keys to success belong to no one and so they belong to everyone. It's a commodity available to the public, yet only some take advantage of the wonderful opportunities it brings.
It doesn't take a lot to be successful. The only thing it requires is a mindset. When you decide you want to be successful, you are accepting a mentality that while where you are might be okay (or it might suck), you want a change. You want something new, something better, and something that you can't gain from being where you are. This realization flips the most important switch in your body to on: motivation.
Now you are ready to go out and get what you want. You will research what it takes, google it until you're blue in the face, and yelp all the reviews of people who have done it before. You find out what it takes, what you have, and the things you need to gain to make it a reality. You figure out the plan and you're driven to carry it out until it is completely executed. It's a mentality that must stick even when the times get rough.
ESPECIALLY when the times get rough.
And also, the best part is, you can make the keys what you want.
If your door looks like making money for your own start up, then all the power to you. If your door looks like the confidence to wear what you want out in public from that day on, then good for you sister. If your door looks like getting into medical school, then get that 4.0 or that 3.9 or whatever you need during that undergraduate career baby. If your door looks like graduating, then get that degree. The only thing stopping you is you and the limits of your imagination. Make it happen. Success is your own. It's subjective.
However, if you came to this article looking for maybe some starter steps to being successful, I can offer those, too.
1. Focus on your commitment and where you're headed
Think about how sweet it'll be once you get where you want to be when the times get rough.
2. Make the journey fun
Make sure you do things you really enjoy along the way when you're struggling.
3. Avoid distractions
If it isn't helping you, it could be hurting you, so keep your eyes open for unnecessary road blocks.
4. Rely on yourself
You are the person who wants to achieve this goal. You are the only person who can really determine whether or not you can get there. Plenty will try to drag you down, but do not let them. Others may help you along the way, but they are not going to carry you where you want to go. You have to want it.
5. Make a plan
Although sometimes things happen that can't be predicted when you first make the plan, having structure is a lot better than winging it. It helps you focus on the end result and also helps it seem much more attainable when you break it down into steps. If you're organized, you'll have a higher chance of succeeding.
6. Don't be afraid of failure
You may come across roadblocks that you can't budge. That's okay. Go back and find a new way to go. Giving up isn't the answer and it surely won't get you where you want to go if you give up the second things look hard. Push on. Persevere. Pick yourself up.
7. Be willing to work hard
You won't get what you want easily. Nothing worth having comes easily. So saddle up and get ready because it might be a long and hard road, but the results will make you glad you took the journey.
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