Who doesn't dream of being a success? While the definition of "success" will probably differ from one person to another, the feeling of contentment and fulfillment you experience when you're there can't be mistaken. Living by success principles can change your life from one of mundane or depressing circumstances to one of joy and power. What are some of the secrets of those who live successful lives?

1. Think positive. It is incredibly easy to sink into a negative mindset. In fact, it pretty much comes naturally to most people. Not only is it natural to be negative, it is even encouraged by our culture. How many people do you see sporting a big smile through life? Not very many. But how many times do you hear people complaining? Learning to think positively is an art in itself, and whole books have been written on the subject. Why not take the time to read one of those books?

2. Don't be afraid of work. One old book puts it this way - "Never fear a little fatigue." All worthwhile goals take work, and plenty of it. In fact, if you can learn to enjoy work, and even love it, you will be ahead in the game. Successful people are hard-working people. They roll up their sleeves and get going instead of just sizing up the situation and thinking about it.

3. Get organized. Again, here is a principle that could have a whole book written about it. It's possible to expend a great deal of energy working but be simply going around in circles if your work is not organized. Organization of things is largely a matter of having a storage place for each item and putting the item back when you are finished using it. Organization of your time takes more thought, but can be learned by even the most naturally disorganized among us. Again, check out a good organization book.

4. Get it down on paper first. This was the advice that the mother of the Wright brothers gave her sons. It applies to inventing airplanes, of course, but it also applies to life. Get in the habit of writing up a "to do" list each morning. For some people, it works better to write it up the night before.

5. Prioritize your activities. When you get that list of things to do made, think about which ones you really need to get done. Some people rank their things to do with a "1" for most important, and a "2" or "3" for less important items. You may not get everything on your list done, but by prioritizing, you can keep from missing the important things.

6. Reward yourself for what you accomplish. Focusing on your successes instead of your failures will help you stay motivated to keep chugging toward those goals. Don't beat yourself up for not getting everything done on your list. Instead, congratulate yourself for the things you did accomplish.

7. Reject discouragement. Being a success means not giving up. Things will happen that will knock you off your feet and send your plans reeling. Decide ahead of time that you are not going to let these discouragements stop you. It's a part of life, but it doesn't mean you are a failure. You haven't failed until you quit trying. So brush off those discouraged feelings and get going again.