A self-made man or woman can rise above their humble beginnings to leave a lasting legacy.Through sheer determination, discipline, and strength of character, the self-made man or woman can overcome poverty through education and hard work.Take control of your life and become a self-made person.
Step 1: Overcome poverty
Being born to a poor family is a defining characteristic of the self-made person.Oprah Winfrey grew up wearing potato sacks to school and is now worth over $3 billion.Work hard at your job to overcome poverty.It's important to work hard to better yourself.If you work hard, you can earn a raise, a promotion, or open the door to other opportunities later.You can save your money.To draft a personal budget, save all your receipts over the course of a month.In one column, calculate all the money you spent, and in the other, figure out what you earned.In order to save as much money as possible, identify expenditures you can reduce or eliminate.Be on the lookout for new opportunities.You can find classified ads in your local paper or online.You can connect with employers and post your own resume on sites like Monster.com.
Step 2: Don't forget to educate yourself.
Informal or formal education is possible.A formal education will expose you to more ideas and give you new opportunities.Financial aid officers at local colleges and universities will be able to tell you what kind of incentives they offer.When you find a good fit for you, complete the necessary applications and attend classes faithfully.If you want to pursue informal education, you should read on a variety of topics.If you want to learn more about the world, your local library is a great place to start.Community education classes can be free or discounted.
Step 3: Start your own business.
Some of the world's most famous self-made people are good capitalists.Think of an idea that would improve the world and make money.A loan officer at a financial institution can approve or reject a business proposal.Hire qualified professionals if you want to get a loan.It's not necessary for your business to be radical or original.It's possible to start a magazine or self-help website.A new, more efficient medicine or water purification device could be invented by you if you were more scientifically inclined.
Step 4: Get involved in politics.
The self-made person often takes advantage of the open, democratic government in order to get a political position.If you use your political position to affect positive change it will bring you fame and success.Start small.If you want to know how the legislative process works, you should run for a city council position.You might be able to apply for other local positions as well.You have to work your way up to the state level.If you want to represent your county in congress, you have to run.It is good to have some money since campaigns can get expensive.You can either raise money from donors or fund yourself.If you feel ambitious, you could become a senator or representative in Washington.
Step 5: Take risks.
Even if you have never owned a business, you can still go forward with business ownership.Doing something new can be scary, even if it will lift you out of your humble beginnings into a life of success.Don't be afraid to do something that makes you uncomfortable.If you want to be an actor or actress, you should move to Hollywood.If you have an innovative computer design that could make you the next Steve Jobs, you should move to Silicon Valley.The risks don't have to be dramatic.Applying for a loan in the bank can take you outside of your comfort zone.Be brave, passionate, and bold.To become a self-made person, dream big.
Step 6: Get to know yourself.
Learning to take control of your life as a self-made person means knowing who you really are.Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses.Make a list of what you want in life.Think about the things you do well and identify your strengths.Think about things you don't know how to do or do not do well, and your personal flaws, to identify your weaknesses.Since they might be more objective than you are, it is best to ask a close friend or family member to help you reflect on your strengths and weaknesses.Enhance your strengths and reduce your weaknesses.If you struggle with anger and a short temper, learn to slow down.Since stress can amplify feelings of anger, try yoga, deep breathing, and regular exercise.It's up to you to believe in yourself.You will begin making positive changes to realize your full potential when you realize you have the power to alter your destiny.
Step 7: You should practice self-reliance.
All of the forms of self-reliance indicate that you don't need anyone else to take care of yourself.Being self-reliant doesn't mean shun friends or family.Even without help from others, you can carry on when things get difficult.For example, teach yourself how to cook, clean, iron, and perform other basic tasks.You should learn to read a map.Don't rely on your gps to get around.Grow your own food.You can save money and time by raising fruits and vegetables.If you can't cultivate a large garden in the city, try to grow a few small potted berry plants in your apartment.
Step 8: You should structure your time.
Managing your time effectively means making yourself into the person you want to be.Stick to a daily or weekly schedule if you want to do everything.If you want to wake up on time, set an alarm clock.Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep each night.Don't forget to factor in downtime where you can relax.You can see how you're managing your time if you track what you do every half hour.
Step 9: Perseverance is developed.
Perseverance is the ability to overcome obstacles.Even when things get hard, don't quit on your goals.Perseverance can be helped by a good activity such as distance running.You will face many challenges when running long distances.Even though you might slow down, don't stop.You will become a self-made person if you push on through the challenges.It can be helpful to push yourself to the limit with any kind of physical exercise.The military is a good place to learn perseverance.Military training requires overcoming both physical and mental challenges.Your perseverance will be developed by both.It is possible to start a business to develop perseverance.Continue to grow your business even if others think it will fail.The circumstances under which you develop perseverance don't really matter since everyone is faced with their own challenges.Setting realistic goals and committing yourself to meeting them is what counts.
Step 10: Stay focused.
You have the power to stay the course if you stay motivated and have determination.If you want to see it through, remind yourself of how important it is.Think about how much more secure you will feel when you have adequate savings.It will be easier for you to stop buying things that you don't need if you focus on a better future.Allow yourself occasional rewards for your hard work in order to stay motivated.If you have a business plan that is divided into different stages, celebrate with friends or family after each step.This will give you the chance to celebrate your success, and inspire you to pursue even greater success in the future.Don't forget to think back on previous accomplishments to stay motivated.
Step 11: You had help along the way.
Nobody is completely self-made.Someone else helped everyone at some point.Think of your educational path.If you attended university, you were inspired by your professors.The local government that funds the library and the authors of the books that you read helped you learn.We all need to stay humble despite your success.
Step 12: Look for people you can learn from.
Take their advice if you read the books of other self-made people.Whether you envision overcoming your struggles through education, business ownership, or public office, seek out the advice and feedback of experts.If you have a great idea for a tech business, find a mentor in the field and bounce it off of him or her.They can give you feedback to guide your thinking.
Step 13: Help others.
Give to charities that will benefit from your new wealth.Gain respect for more than just earning wealth by living in an ethical way.The best way to follow your path to success is to educate others.The self-made man or woman should always be thankful for the improved quality of life they have, unlike individuals who were born rich or did little to earn their success.