- Set a goal
- Brainstorm and research
- Form the resulting info into a plan
- Make a to-do list each day and work
- Set aside time to detach and review
- Don't quit
If you are passionate about you goal - whatever it is - the above high level process will provide a framework for being successful. I learned this as a kid when I used it to start and build a mowing business in my neighborhood. I used this same process to build my adult life: Marriage, kids, house, career, etc. All the big stuff.
Start with small goals. Pick something you feel fairly confident you could achieve in 3 months if you worked hard at it, even if that goal doesn't meet the end state you eventually want to achieve. It's okay to use goals as stepping stones to success down the line. Each time you achieve a goal and move that item to the "Completed" column, start thinking about the next goal that's just out of reach. Over time, you should start setting bigger and bigger goals.
I keep a journal for personal stuff and a second journal for work. I make entries in both almost every day. I also keep short term to-do lists, and longer term goals/projects go on a kanban board. I use Trello for that, but there are several other electroni options, and good old index cards work well. Achieving goals is a creative process, and creative endevors require tools. These are the tools I use, but there are many great options.
The goals a person chooses to set for themself should be based on their own personal journey through life, not outside expectations from family, friends, media, culture, etc. What do YOU want to achieve? Making that a reality is all that really matters. Money might be a measure at times, but it doesn't have to be.
The confidence (not cockiness) you get from setting goals and achieving them is the real prize though. It wipes away a lot of the negative emotions that drag you down and get in the way of enjoying life. Sucess naturally generates satisfaction.