From the moment we understand what money is, which is at about the ripe age of six, we want to be successful. We understand that money buys us the things we want and that’s why we want money. Now, of course money and success are not two words that can be used interchangeably but for most people, being successful means living a comfortable life and being able to pay your bills without growing a white hair or two. However, going after success can be a very discouraging ride. When we come across something very difficult we tend to retract, turn away before any more risk is taken. But what we fail to realize is that it’s all in the risks we take that make us successful.

For a long time I have been saying that college doesn’t breed success. I am not by any means stating that anyone should drop out of college. Rather, I am pointing out the fact that college is a school for the masses and there are far more unsuccessful people on this planet than the other way around. College doesn’t teach you how to be special, think out of the box or be the next Bill Gates (who did not actually graduate from college). What college does is provide you with the tools you need to understand the ways of the working world, how to work for the man and get paid just enough to keep your head above the water, which to some people can be deemed “successful.” But what if you do want to be the next Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg? Going to college is indeed important and it will open doors for you but it would be smart to go in knowing that it’s up to you to make something of yourself.

Being successful means going above and beyond the call of duty, working harder than those around you and taking risks that you may not feel all that comfortable with. It is best to take these risks at a younger age and it obviously helps if you have a healthy support system like loyal family and friends. Making a plan isn’t always important because some of the best ideas popped into people’s heads on a whim and they were just smart enough to run with it. It is, however, vital to be passionate about whatever you’re doing because that passion is the only thing that will keep you motivated and shield discouragement. The road to becoming a success is by no means smooth or easy but if it were, everyone would take it.