Joel Comm

Joel is the New York Times bestselling author of Twitter Power and a long time internet entrepreneur.

If today were my last day on Earth and I could share 500 words of brilliance with the world, here are the important things I'd want to pass along to others...

I believe that every person on the face of the earth has been gifted with a unique set of skills, talents, abilities and personality that make each person unlike anyone else that has ever lived before. When we discover what we are passionate about and make the pursuit of that passion our primary goal, we discover what we were made to do. You are the only person who can fulfill your destiny!

While the road may be difficult and obstacles spring up in our way, we must keep our eye on the goal of living out our life's purpose. Rather than focus on what makes others great, focus on your gifts. This gives you a great chance at succeeding. Just as a watch is made to tell time and a car is made to take people places, your gifts, talents and abilities are designed to take you where your passions lead you. When you are doing what you are made to do, it is impossible to fail!

I have defined seven keys that are necessary in achieving success. They are as follows:

Dream - Make sure it is a BIG dream! Always attempt to do more than you believe is possible. It's the only way to do extraordinary things.
Believe - You have to believe in something bigger than yourself and surround yourself with others who believe in you. A support system is essential.
Prepare - Just as you pack your bags before a trip, you should prepare yourself to do great things. Whether that is attaining all the knowledge you can before you begin or by learning from those who have gone before, make sure your bags are reasonably packed.
Act - Nothing happens without taking action. Take very deliberate daily action towards your goals. Even if they are baby steps, remember the a marathon race is run one step at a time.
Relate - Ultimately, our lives are about relationships with others. Seek to do good for others as a primary objective and it will come around in good ways for you.
Model - Find mentors who you respect to model yourself after, and then seek to be a model to others who would come after you.
Grow - Learn from your experiences and apply them to your next move. Go back to step 1 and begin dreaming all over again!

There will be those who will tell you that you can't achieve your goals. They will attempt to squash your dreams. They want to see you fail in order for them to feel better about their own failures. They are the schoolyard bullies of adulthood.

Do not listen to them. Do not pay any attention to them. Do not engage with them. Pursue your passion with everything you are and everything you have. The rewards are great and they are waiting for you all along the journey.

Be who you were made to be. The world is counting on you!