If you’ve found yourself here, chances are you’re searching for something, perhaps a sense of direction, purpose, or clarity. You might feel lost, but the truth is, you’re not. In fact, you’ve taken a crucial step: you’re awake, aware, and ready to seek meaning, success, and happiness. You’re looking for guidance, and today is your lucky day. You’ve arrived at the right place, at the perfect moment.
Because you are unique, and your journey will be just as special. If you’re ready, let’s begin.
Living a happy and successful life is not a matter of chance, it’s the result of clear vision, disciplined effort, and continuous learning. By following the wisdom of the greatest minds and cultivating a focused approach, you can achieve extraordinary results. Let’s dive into the essential steps for living your best life.
Read also: 5 habits of successful people
1. Learn from the Greatest Minds in History
Successful people have left behind invaluable lessons in the form of books. When you read their work, you gain direct access to their minds and experiences.
Why Read Great Minds?
- Plato, Aristotle, and Marcus Aurelius teach timeless wisdom about life, discipline, and resilience.
- Modern classics like How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie show you how to lead and build relationships.
- Books like The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale instill confidence and optimism.
Tip: Start by at least buying a book from a great thinker or successful leader and build a library of inspiration. I know, many people are not into reading but doing this will start something.
Read more here to learn what kind of books you can buy: Personal development books
2. Define What You Want in Life
Before you can achieve success, you must define it for yourself. Take a moment from your busy life and really think about yourself and your future:
- How do you see yourself in 10, 20, or even 30 years?
- What kind of life do you want to build?
- What stuff or things do you desire to achieve or have
Understand the importance of having clarity.
When you have a clear vision, your daily decisions align with your goals. Without a defined purpose, you risk drifting through life without direction. You might start to live in dogma, which is letting other people define your life.
Tip: Write down your goals and desires in detail, no matter how big and crazy they are. If you do not know what you specifically want then write what you may have interest’s in. Imagine if money was no object and you could not fail. what would you be do or have? no limits, give it a try and see.
Read more here: I Want to Succeed in Life: Where Do I Start?
3. Master the Two Most Important Areas in Life
1. Learn About Money
Money is a tool, and mastering it is essential for freedom and success. You may not like money or love it, it does not matter. Everyone needs money to survive and almost no one on this planet has a clue what money really is and how it is being printed and what store of value is. It is essential for you that you learn what money is.
- Learn about investing money
Learn how to make your money work for you. Start with simple investments like ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds). - Basic understanding of money
Step 1: Start Small, Think Big
Let’s say you begin with an initial investment of $1,000 and commit to contributing $200 every month to two high-performing ETFs:
- Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) – Tracks the top 500 U.S. companies, offering diversified exposure to the stock market.
- Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) – Invests in real estate-focused companies, providing growth and dividend income.
Step 2: Watch Your Investment Grow
Assuming an average annual return of 9%, here’s how your portfolio could grow over 30 years:
| Time | Total Contributions | Portfolio Value |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | $13,000 | $16,784 |
| 10 years | $25,000 | $42,288 |
| 20 years | $49,000 | $153,969 |
| 30 years | $73,000 | $499,084 |
With $200/month, your total contribution of $73,000 over 30 years could grow to nearly $500,000 thanks to the magic of compounding.
Step 3: Reaping Residual Income
Both VOO and VNQ pay dividends—essentially a share of the profits. These payouts can provide you with monthly residual income:
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO): Average dividend yield of 1.5% annually.
- At $250,000 invested, you could earn $3,750/year or $312.50/month.
Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ): Average dividend yield of 4% annually.
- At $250,000 invested, you could earn $10,000/year or $833.33/month.
Together, your portfolio could generate $1,145.83/month in passive income—a reliable cushion for expenses or reinvestment.
This is just a basic birds eye view for you. People are making millions in yearly returns from investing. You know who is investing and who is not? Those who went to Harvard business schools, those who are from royalty and or wealthy families. The average Joe has no clue about investing. Look if you are already reading so far, take it seriously. GET INTO IT! LEARN! no one knew, they all learned it!
Read more here: How can I become financially independent?
Recommended Books on Money:
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
- The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
2. Continuous Personal Development
Personal development sharpens your perspective and helps you navigate life’s challenges. By learning from others’ successes and failures, you gain the wisdom to persevere.
Why Cultivate Your Mind?
- New Perspectives: Broadens your understanding of life and helps you find creative solutions.
- Resilience: Stories of overcoming setbacks inspire you to push through tough times.
- Confidence and Leadership: Books like Dare to Lead by Brené Brown and Dress for Success by John T. Molloy teach essential skills for personal growth.
Read more here: What is a personal development club?
4. Small Steps Toward Wealth
No matter your income, start small:
- Save 5-10% of your earnings and invest it consistently. Do not put it into a bank savings account because your money will lose its buying power every year. Instead buy gold in small amounts, not only are you saving money, it will grow too over the years. This is a major life tip!
5. Why Cultivating Your Mind Is Essential
Success isn’t just about money—it’s about mindset. Cultivating your mind gives you the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs.
Benefits of Mental Growth:
- Problem-Solving: Gain insights from others’ experiences.
- Resilience: Learn how to handle setbacks and keep moving forward.
- Adaptability: Stay open to change and embrace new opportunities.
Key Takeaway: Life will test you, but with the right mindset, you’ll persevere and thrive.
Read more here: 5 habits of successful people
