15 Timeless Tips for Success

Yesterday, I came across an article I shared on Facebook years ago; and thought, "why not share this on LinkedIn, for the benefit of your mentees and as many of those young women, who reach out for guidance on their personal and professional development?" And, you know what? I couldn't do otherwise.

So, here you go! However, don't forget the GOD-factor! It remains the ULTIMATE key to becoming a true success!

1. Make short-term goals that lead to medium- and long-term ones, and to your life's goal. Take action(s) to set yourself on the pathway to achieving them - as one leads to another. A life without (big, dreamy) goals is like trying to walk to the other side of the country without a map, or realistic road directions.

2. Never sell yourself for any amount - or anything! Self-respect is one of the most important things a woman can have. Be true to yourself and don't let anyone else steer you away from the right path as well as stop you from achieving your goals.

3. Don't give yourself away except to your life's love: hold out for your better life! This may sound old-fashioned; but it is essential, if you want to fulfill dreams and know your true love, and not end up in complicated situations that may cost you your life's best dreams - including your commitment to your true life's love.

4. Respect others in order to gain lifelong respect for yourself. Be kind and generous so that people will be kind towards you. #KindIsTheNewClassy

5. Respect and appreciate your parents. Your parents can be the most important people in your life. Even if you don't always get along with them, be kind to them and always respect them. Just remember, without them you wouldn't be here. Although they are not able to fulfill (all) your wants and dreams, they are still your parents.

6. Be grateful for everything you have. Just remember there are people in worse situations. Try not to complain about anything that you can work on; instead, take actions to improve each situation as it pops up. #GratitudeMatters

7. Overcome bad situations in life. When something is not going the way you planned, don't worry or throw away your goals; because at some point, everyone has to succeed in, over, around or through rough spots. Life wouldn't seem bright without loads of dark drama. #BuildYourResilience

8. Don't waste time. Time is one of those things that you will never get back no matter how hard you work. Do things that will help you in life like learning to swim, playing an instrument or doing basic sewing, giving to/or volunteering in charity work. #PurposefulLiving

9. Do well in school! Being interested in your studies, learning at a meaningful level (not just achieving top grades) is critical to being successful. If you get the higher grades, then not only your parents will be proud of you, even strangers will respect you more and take you seriously!

10. Spend time learning about other cultures and religions. Watch the news to increase your multiple intelligences and hone your knowledge about the world. Tolerance, respecting others, is key to fitting into a diverse school or workplace. #DevelopAGlobalMindset

11. Make yourself look the part that you want. This does not mean going on crazy diets and devoting your whole life to making yourself look good. Just remember to eat healthy, whole foods; get exercise, and make yourself look more than merely presentable. Self-confidence makes every woman beautiful.

12. Discover and embrace the talents and gifts that you were born with. Do not show them off but put them to higher use. If you are good at painting, paint enough to expand on it. If you are good at some form of entertainment, enter talent shows! 

13. Make friends. Be welcoming to everyone, and try to help out others when they are struggling or in need of even a momentary friendship (safely befriend travelers in a hard spot, telling them good places to stay, giving a ride to the pharmacy, airport/bus station, to a restaurant district, etc.).

14. Embrace your natural beauty. Don't cake on make-up; it is not you... You are yourself, unique. If you can't accept yourself for who you are - then you won't be appreciated, and respected.

15. Be persistent! You need some talent, but dedicated persistence is above all else. Even though you need refreshing and rest, keep first-order priorities first... Don't let anyone bring you down. If one is judging you, as if better than you - just let them be themselves; and find your way through that situation, staying on the path.

Be blessed and safe!

NB: There could be a lot more, but I tried to preserve the originality - reflecting what I thought about at that age.