Are you going to be successful in life? That always seems to be the popular question when talking to students in middle school and high school. What is success, anyway? What does it mean? Is a person with lots of money successful? Is a man with lots of women clinging to his arm a successful man? (Or vice versa!) Are you a success once you save someone’s life or once you win a prestigious award?

Indeed, what is success? This word has become hard to define in recent years. Society gives us clichés and stereotypes of people who are successful. However, even the most rich and powerful figureheads among us are not always happy, even inside their luxurious castles.

The truth is success is something that only you can define. Others cannot define it for you. You may have a vision of what type of life you want to live. You may have your own idea for a destiny. You may even have your own set of goals clearly in mind. Before you leave school, take these five reminders to heart.

1. Aim higher than what you currently are.
Do not be content with being average or with just getting by. Reach deep into your mind and discover your hidden talents and your passions. Don’t be afraid to dream anything. Be afraid not to act on your dream!

2. Learn from the actions of others.
Learn from all of the people you meet in life. Take something away from each and every person, from your worst enemy to your best friend. Learn from the mistakes of others and from the triumphs of others. It will help you to become a complete person.

3. Be yourself.
Do not spend half a lifetime figuring out who you are. Listen to your heart and discover what the heart wants. The mind will rationalize any path you choose. However, if you go against the heart’s wishes you will be unable to find peace.

4. Expect a lot from yourself.
Always challenge yourself and expect more than is reasonable. This is the only way to reach for the stars. Do not stifle your ambition. Do not assume that achievement is beyond your grasp. Do not dismiss your dreams because you feel you lack talent or knowledge. Believe in yourself and then expect a commitment from yourself.

5. Above all, trust yourself!
Many lives have changed in despairing ways because people didn’t have trust and faith in their own abilities. When part of your mind conjures up something worth doing, worth pursuing and winning, then have trust that the rest of your body can complete the task! Too many dreams have been shattered because of a lack of trust.

Heeding these five reminders will make sure you stay on a successful path!

Albert Mensah is a Certified Speaking Professional. Originally from the impoverished African nation of Ghana, Albert travels the country speaking, motivating and inspiring. He has performed as a keynote speaker for companies including Allstate Insurance, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Boeing, John Deere Corporation, Wells Fargo and more. Visit www.AlbertMensah.com to learn more.