The definition of success varies for many people. One thing for certain, almost everyone wants to achieve some level of success in his or her life, business, marriage and finances. However, for many, success is an elusive goal to achieve because there’s no hard and fast rulebook to follow. Often we don’t know where to start, apply the incorrect steps, and give up because we don’t see the results as quickly as we’d like – failing to understand that success takes time. It’s also difficult to achieve because those who have made it, sometimes fail to share their success strategies, in fear of others achieving the same level of success or greater. That’s ridiculous.

In many communities, it’s customary to pull everyone up so the community as a whole can thrive. Unfortunately, too often, we ignore the pleas of young people and potential entrepreneurs asking for advice on how to achieve some measurable success. As a result, our community flounders and fails to get to the next level because the keys to success are never shared. Why? Why do we keep everything so tight to our chess and fail to share morsels of nuggets to ensure we all have a seat at the table or a piece of the pie.

Here are a few keys to success that I feel we need to share.

Young people – work and study hard. Always remember you are not only competing with other young people from Lake Forest, Winnetka and Naperville, but you are competing with young people from around the country and world. Work twice as hard as others to place yourself in the best competitive advantage. Life won’t be easy, but you will appreciate the struggle in the end.

Entrepreneurs – get a business coach to guide you through the various stages of owning a business and overcoming obstacles. Read as many books as you can about business, take business and sales classes to expand your knowledge and remember visibility and integrity are important for a lasting company. 

Those are a few of my keys to success. What keys to success will you share with the people in your life and community?