Everyone wants success, but we all have different ideas of what that means. We each start in different places, set our sights on different goals, and use different means of moving toward them. A small accomplishment for one person might be a major achievement for another. The meaning of success really depends on the individual.

It is true for everyone, however, that the quest for success is never finished. Anyone who attains success has to work to hold onto it. Furthermore, the achievement of one goal usually reveals another. Likewise, a person can be successful in one area while still struggling in another. Thus, success involves a continuous striving toward goals. It is not an end result that is achieved. Rather, it is a continuous process of growth.

It is possible to fall into success, but more often it comes through conscious effort. You shape your future by taking the time to contemplate where you are, where you want to go, and the strengths and skills you can use to get there. Striving toward success often means setting priorities and identifying specific goals. It is necessary to prepare by thinking through the challenge involved in reaching a goal, in order to lessen surprise and reduce failure.

[You can] build skills in self-reflection, priority and goal setting, and preparing for challenges. Strength in these skills will enable [you] not only to reach [your] own goals, but to better support others on their journeys toward success.

Also [you can] consider the essential role that support from others play in [your] success. This support may come in different forms. For example, it may be encouragement from peers or it may be volunteer learning, or work opportunities that enable one to acquire the skills and experiences needed to pursue a chosen goal…