Yes, you probably guessed it. I'm the Ivy League grad who reads palms. (I decided to write this article in response to the various and curious reactions I've received based upon that single bit of info.)

Sure, I got a great education, no doubt. But that education was not required or necessary for doing what I love to do.

Why even mention "Ivy League" grad? Who cares? Well, some people think it "means" something. Others could give a hoot. I'd like to share with you what I've come to think it means.

So here are some success myths I'd like to shatter (and some success strategies learned):

1. GO TO COLLEGE, GET A GREAT JOB

This is a common myth. If you get an advanced degree, it is statistically proven to up your earning potential. However, it is not an indicator whatsoever of your ability to choose a profession that you enjoy. At my 10-year college reunion, many people said to me, "Wow. You have the most interesting profession. And you seem so happy." A lot of my college classmates - now doctors, lawyers, investment bankers - admitted to having more money but little time to enjoy life. Many of them had also put on a lot of weight and had big circles under their eyes. Sounds like fun to me - NOT!!!

Success Strategy: Spend time searching for what you love. It WILL come if you're patient.

I could have left college and stepped immediately into a high-paying, high-stress job. Instead, I worked odd jobs until I found hand analysis. When I encountered palmistry, I said this is it! It took me 12 years. And boy! Did people give me crap along the way. They'd say, "When are you going to DO something with your life? Especially with your education!!!" I said, "When I find it." I was busy finding out who I wanted to BE.

2. IMPRESSIVE CREDENTIALS ENSURE SUCCESS

This is only true among those people who recognize the credential. My college degree seems to impress two groups of people: other Ivy League grads and people who are insecure about their own level of intelligence! Everyone else could give a hoot. As a hand analyst, no one has ever asked me where I went to college! (Of course, my palmistry degree is only meaningful to other palmists! I studied palmistry because I WANTED to.)

Success Strategy: Get the credentials YOU NEED to do what you love. If you don't need the credentials, why waste time and money on school? Go for it!

3. YOU NEED TO FINISH WHAT YOU START

Steve Jobs, creator of the Apple computer, dropped out of college officially and then unofficially audited all the classes he wanted to take, absorbing the info as his own rate, then moving onto to the next class.

Success Strategy: Follow your bliss. Consistency is highly over-rated. Finishing is only important if you're finishing what you value.

4. IMPRESSING PEOPLE IS IMPORTANT

It's a human need to be acknowledged for our accomplishments. Your neighbor has a green lawn and you hear all the compliments he gets. Maybe you've even complimented him yourself - so you strive to make your lawn greener. Your best friend is thinner than you are, so you start starving yourself. If you look at your life, I bet there is one area where you want to impress people.

I'm more interested in impressing myself. I do this by attempting to live each day according to my own values. If a green lawn gave me happiness, I'd have one. But my yard is gravel, front and back, with plants indigenous to where I live. Why? I'd rather be writing this article than weeding or paying for a gardener.

Another example. My car is paid for. This gives me much more happiness than impressing someone with my new BMW. However, I'd really love to drive a BMW. I think BMW's are snappy looking and fun to drive. And when I can pay cash for one, you'll see my driving it. (But I'm erring towards a hybrid car to honor my value of nature. Decisions, decisions.) In the meantime, my extra cash is going straight into my property investments. This is a personal choice. By choosing investing over monthly car payments, I'll soon have a lump sum of cash to buy my dream car.

Success Strategy: Determine what you value in life. Is it passion, beauty, elegance, freedom? Make a list of 10 values. Then impress yourself by living those values. Go ahead! I dare you. Dare to take the path less traveled.

My grandfather was successful. He had an eighth grade education, English was his second language and he died a millionaire. He was a joyful, exuberant man who played the spoons on his knee, wore a distinctive cap, and earned his keep as a carpenter - with a knack for property speculation. His guiding principles: Laugh often. Take nothing for granted. Remember to love.

Success is defined by one thing: YOU. Your credentials or lack thereof do NOT define your success: YOU DO! What your mom or dad told you, what your teachers told you, what your church told you, etc. - none of these sources can determine your success.

Here's to your success! Go for it! What are you waiting for?

Copyright (c) 2008 Elizabeth Davis