I've seen recent threads about this so I figured I might share my experiences and humble opinion in hopes that it will help others in their predicaments.
My success comes from a trifecta of rather curious traits. Narcissism, Paranoia and Introversion.
My introverted trait keeps me away from temptations and setbacks that prove obstacles for my peers. Such as drugs, alcohol, relationships and emotional ties in general.
My narcissistic tendencies are what drives me. I always strive for a better tomorrow, simply because I deserve it. I also think very highly of myself and consequently set my standards accordingly. Immediately after I graduated(less than 24 hours) I was in the United States military. Again because of my standards I joined the hardest branch, the USMC and chose the single hardest MOS(Military Occupational Specialty) there was. Infantry, 0311 Rifleman.
I was 17 when I joined, after half a year of some of the most rigorous training the Corps could offer I was back in my hometown. In less than 2 weeks I landed a job that pays over three times of what minimum wage is here. My paranoia is what keeps me in check, there are people constantly trying to constrain my success. I always have to have a leg up on potential competition. In the words of Genghis Khan "It is not sufficient for me to succeed, but that all others must fail." My time in service and in the workforce have proved this method to be efficient.
In summary, you have to catch success. To be successful you must be willing to sacrifice who you are today for what you plan to become. Never become weak and quit, Napoleon came from exile twice and challenged a coalition of powerful nations, he barely fell short of his agenda. It shouldn't take a man in a gasmask on a sociopathic forum to convince you to evaluate your self worth.
"If you started to take Vienna, you take Vienna." - Napoleon Bonaparte