According to Dr Cherie Carter-Scott:

Rule 1: Each person has their own definition of success. So we each need to ask ourselves: “What does success mean to me? What will it take for me to feel fulfilled in life? What do I aspire to achieve in my life?”

Rule 2: Wanting to succeed is the first step towards achieving success. That is, you need to feel motivated and driven to do the work that assures success. It has to be a stronger desire than simply thinking “It would be nice if …”

Rule 3: It’s crucial that you believe in yourself. Knowing and trusting yourself will lead you to make choices that reflect who you are, bring you to life, and which are true to you as a person. It will also increase your self-confidence.

Rule 4: We need to transform dreams and vision into realistic goals. We need to think through where we’re going, what it will take to get us there, how long it is likely to take – and then break larger goals down into a series of smaller goals.

Rule 5: Recognise that your actions determine your outcomes. As the Chinese proverb says, “Talk doesn’t cook rice.” We need to work consistently, and exert a real effort, if we’re going to achieve anything in life.

Rule 6: When opportunities come your way, it’s up to you to decide what to do with them. Sometimes opportunities show up like signs; on other occasions, you need to have your antennae turned on, and be consciously looking for them. When they come, it’s often a moment of decision which can greatly affect your future and success.  

Rule 7: Disappointments, setbacks and perceived failures are all learning experiences that can lead to future success. We all encounter obstacles and roadblocks on our journey. Stay determined, keep on going, and choose to learn and grow.

Rule 8: We need to manage our resources in order to live well (That is, our time, energy, money and relationships). Part of this involves thinking ahead, counting the cost, being organised and giving thought to our priorities.

Rule 9: Success always brings new challenges.  All successes and achievements create ripple effects – and add responsibilities as well as rewards. Also, it’s a new place to inhabit, and can feel unfamiliar. Hence, we need to make adjustments – and that can lead to stress.

Rule 10: Success is a process, not a finite state. That is, “success is about mastering the balance between appreciating where you are while simultaneously keeping your eyes focused on the next challenge or opportunity.”