He was one of our greatest leaders, Abraham Lincoln.

Despite what many people think, success is much more about hard work, knowledge, resourcefulness, and perseverance than anything else. People who experience success in their lives know what they want and they go after it with passion, conviction, and hard work. In fact, someone once said, The only place you find success before work is in dictionary. In other words, if you want to be successful, you are going to have to work for it. What is success and how do you achieve it? Success can be defined as progressive realization of a predetermined, worthwhile goal or dream. This definition of success underlies importance of having goals. You can’t achieve success without developing goals. Goals give life meaning. As humans, we are designed for achievement and accomplishment. H.L. Hunt, who was at one time richest man in world, said that he had discovered three steps that would lead to success. 1). Decide what you really want out of life. 2). Develop a plan of action for achieving it. 3). Act, with great enthusiasm.

When you review life history of Abraham Lincoln, you can see a similar pattern. He knew what he wanted, he developed a plan, and acted with enthusiasm and persistence. In end, he accomplished a great deal and left world in better shape than he found it. If we all could follow our vision, and work with purpose, just think how different world could be. Now it is time to for you to take lead and become a success in your own time.

***This article adapted from Life Strategy 101: How to live by vision, work with purpose, and achieve more success by Michelle L. Casto

Michelle L. Casto is Owner of Get Smart! and is a Whole Life Coach who resides in Corpus Christi, Texas. She is the author of the Get Smart! LearningBook Series, books on romantic relationships, career development, and stress management. Her coaching practice is Brightlight Coaching, she helps people come up with bright ideas for their lives and empowers them to freely shine their bright light to the world. Visit virtually: www.getsmartseries.com and www.brightlightcoach.com

At that same personal growth seminar mentioned above I heard a useful explanation of different levels of commitment: Level One - I hear you. Level Two - I'll think about it. Level Three - I'll do it (unless something comes up). Level Four - I'll do it unless, god forbid, I'm hit by a bus. Level Five - I'll drag myself there bloodied and broken if I have to.

I like this distinction. Not every circumstance deserves a high level of commitment-- it would be exhausting. But I want to choose based on what I'm willing to give not on what I want from others.

Maybe it's not a matter of disconnecting two sides of bargain, but providing both halves yourself-- giving and receiving. I have this image of a seesaw. The more commitment you have on one side more trust you need to put on other-- trust that your needs will be met somehow or other. At all levels seesaw is balanced, but heavier commitment and trust, wilder ride.