How to Becoming a Highly Successful Woman -- 5 Easy Steps

1. What Does Success Mean to You?
We all have unique gifts and talents, whether we've manifested them or not. It's vital to make a commitment to discover these talents and follow our dreams and passions -- not someone else's. Therefore, our first step should be to define what success means to us as individuals.
2. Beat Negative Thoughts and Beliefs
One of the most difficult challenges I came across in my life was overcoming self-doubt and my fear of the unknown. Over time, I've come to realize that our own experiences and perceptions, as well as the opinions of others, have a powerful effect on how we view ourselves and what we can accomplish. When we break away from our restricting beliefs, we feel empowered and energized to reach our full potential.
3. Failure Is an Inevitable Part of Life
No one goes through life without experiencing failure. Accept this and don't beat yourself up when you fail. Turn those setbacks into learning opportunities. After all, risks are part of success, but they must be calculated and focused. These falls along the way can build character and lead to insight, as long as you pay attention and learn from your mistakes. Remember: Those who live too cautiously may not fail -- but they won't grow, either.
4. Find and Be Your Authentic Self
You are you. Don't be afraid to show it and own it. To be successful, you NEED to be authentically you, in all your collaborative work with others.
5. Be a Pioneer
Chart your own course and be a pioneer. This is one of the most important traits of a strong leader. Be bold, stand out -- but be smart about it. All successful women listen to other people and learn from them, but you can then put your own stamp on things by thinking differently and coming up with innovative solutions. Especially important for women leaders, embrace your feminine talents and you will find yourself redefining women leaders as strong and powerful, like their masculine counterparts.