Success is a very complex phenomenon that cannot be summed up in a few sentences. To achieve success you must strive very hard to meet your goals, and that requires big ideas and an indeterminate will to execute them. If you were to ask any successful person or motivational coach about how to achieve success, then their first piece of advice would most probably be to “think positively.”

Positive thoughts are the key to making your dreams and goals come true. Nevertheless, thinking positively is more about you and your abilities, rather than the goals or the processes required to achieve them.

Oftentimes, we put a limit on our dreams due to fear or lack of confidence in our abilities. Positive thoughts can help us break those challenges and attain success. Here are 15 thoughts that will lead you to success:

1. Every day is a gift

Life is very precious and can take the turn for the worse at any moment. Once you get this idea into your mind, you’ll stop procrastinating and put all your ideas into motion. If you live like today is your last day on the planet, then you will gain a renewed sense of appreciation for everything around you. With this appreciation in mind, you’ll start planning things in advance, work harder and act wisely. This is the ultimate motivation you can give yourself to reach the next level of success.

2. Work is not a chore

Work is not a chore that you have to do for money. It is something that you do because you love it and would like to make difference in this world. Some of the most successful people didn’t work because they’d have to, but because they wanted to.

Only work on things that interest you; this way, you will make sure that you will work harder and smarter.

3. Success takes time

Success is not handed to you on a platter. It takes time, effort and dedication to achieve success. Staying committed to your goals even in the face of many challenges is very important.

Recognize the importance of perseverance and always stay committed, even when the going gets tough.

4. Passion is everything

An idea isn’t the only essential factor to achieve success. If you don’t have passion towards what you’re doing, then you’re bound to give it up in the long-term. Passion fuels your desire to work during the hard times, and then it carries you over to an altogether different level of success.

Without passion towards what you’re doing, achieving success would be very hard.

5. Individuality is important

You don’t need to follow other successful people to be successful yourself. Individuality is a key factor to make sure that you are satisfied with your work and are happy in your life. Don’t be afraid to be different; some of the best ideas were initially frowned upon by many people.

It takes courage and determination to stand out from the crowd and try something new.

6. Ordinary life is boring

Ordinary people are comfortable with ordinary choices and goals. However, successful people yearn for something extraordinary, and won’t settle until they have achieved that. There is always a way to go beyond what you think is possible, and once you realize this, there will be nothing that can stop you in your endeavors.

7. Think outside the box

This is such a common positive thinking strategy that is almost a cliché now. However, thinking outside the box doesn’t just mean coming up with weird quirky ideas. The ideas should be innovative and practical. Brainstorm your ideas with others, discuss them loudly, assimilate knowledge, and engage with people outside your professional zone.

There is always a better way of doing something.

8. Set your own standards

You shouldn’t measure your accomplishments based on standards set by others. The moment you judge yourself based on others’ standards, you let them dictate your life, rather than you dictating yours. Strive to satisfy yourself instead on someone else, and you’ll be happy for the rest of your life.

9. If you like it, just do it

Sometimes, too much of time is wasted in thinking about things that you really like to do. If you genuinely like something, then just do it without any hesitation. Even if you are not sure whether you like something, it is easier to know whether you like it or not when you try it out.

10. There is always enough time

Every person on this planet has the same amount time as everyone else, and still many think that there is not enough of it. The problem lies not with the time, but how you perceive and manage it. Make a schedule and take out time for things you’d like to achieve.

Successful people don’t go around asking people for time, they make use of it.

11. No one’s holding you back

Even despite your best efforts, you cannot control other people in your life. You are the master of only yourself. Concentrate on how you can influence the outcome of your work, rather than how someone else isn’t doing what they are supposed to do.It’s not your fault when someone disappoints you or holds you back.

12. Opportunities are endless

Opportunities are never lost. There are endless opportunities waiting for you right now, and all you have to do is go and pick them up. Even if you miss one opportunity, there is always another waiting right behind it. Waiting for the right opportunity to come knocking on your door will get you nowhere.

13. Failure is not the end

While failure is definitely not a desired outcome, it is still a part of your success. Many successful people have failed a lot of times in their lives, and that is one of the main reasons why they’re successful today.

Embrace failures and learn from them. Only when you stay positive during failures can you rise up to success tomorrow.

14. Learn to let go

Letting go of an idea or a goal can be very painful at times, especially if you have invested a lot of effort and time into it. However, you have to learn to let go to be successful. No matter how great an idea is, or how desirable a goal or dream is, you have to give them up if they are not feasible. Being adaptable in your thoughts is essential to ensure success.

15. You can always make a difference

No matter what you do, you can always make a difference and leave a legacy behind. No idea or work is small enough to be unimportant. Everyone has the potential to leave a lasting mark on this world. Recognizing this thought is what enables many people to persist even in the face of adversities.

Success only comes to those who are positive in their thoughts, focus on the good aspects of their lives and the world, and are always ready to face their challenges head on. It’s simple to be successful with these thoughts in your mind.