A Change of Perspective

Aka, the difference between being successful and working for people who are successful.

Don't sell yourself short.

Be clear about who you are, what you have to offer, and where your interests lie, and believe wholeheartedly in it. No, don't believe, know it. The difference between someone who is successful and someone who works for another's success is how firmly you stand in who you are and the level of confidence you have. Don't run off looking for ways to achieve someone else's idea of success. If you're looking for a job, don't tweek your image to fit what the company is looking for. Be who you are and let it show. That passion and confidence is going to be more important than your specific qualifications.

People who attempt to live up to someone else's standards will never be satisfied. It's a defeating cycle that will wear on your ambitions and allow people to take advantage of you. When you know fully well what you're capable of and use that knowledge to further your aims, people are going to recognize that power and put you in positions of power.

Remove the distractions coming from family, your upbringing and culture, and focus on what you want to achieve and why. Understanding your own motivations is key, since it will distinguish someone else's dream from your own.

Own your dreams and make them happen.