True success stories do not happen overnight generally. Winning the lottery is not one of the true success stories-it is just a case of someone getting lucky. Whether you want to lose weight, start your own business, move up the corporate ladder, or just be a success in your own home, there are things that you can do to be successful. So, the next time you see those success stories on the news or in your favorite magazine, dont just walk away and say that will never happen to me. Let the stories and the individuals in them inspire you to make something more of your life. Here are some principles you will find in success stories:

1. Make sure that you define success clearly for yourself. If you think that success would be to make a million dollars in the next 5 years, then that is your definition of success. Most people in success stories have clear goals and outcomes that they want to achieve before they even start out. These goals may change over time and the journey, but you must have something to work for.

2. Outline the steps to your success. Success stories are more than a beginning and an end. They have chapters in between. Set smaller attainable goals which lead up to your big goal of success. For instance, if you want to lose 50 pounds in year, you will need to lose about 1 pound a week. Set goals that will help you to reach that.

3. Enjoy the journey. When people are writing success stories they will have many victories along the way. Document and celebrate those victories. Give yourself a reward-even if it is just a pat on the back and saying You did it! This can be a time to refocus on your goal.

4. Changes happen. Anyone who has ever traveled knows that things happen which change your plans. They may be as small as a speed bump, or as big as a fork in the road or a dead end. When the big things happen, you can pick up and start again or you can change your goal and head out again. Failure only happens when you stop trying.