It’s easy to look at successful people we admire or envy and think, “If I were in your position, I’d be set.” The thing, of course, is that circumstances can change. Success is not so much a safe shore you can reach (and then put up your feet), but rather a course you should persistently chart.

Success expert Richard St. John identifies the eight guiding principles that successful people live by:

1. Let passion be your guide: Do what you do because you care about it; remuneration comes second to natural enthusiasm.
2. Be industrious, yet playful: Work hard, but in a way that feels fun rather than dispiriting.
3. Develop expertise: Practice, learn, and hone your skills until you’re really good at what you do.
4. Maintain focus: Give your work all the attention it needs.
5. Forge ahead: Push yourself, set yourself new challenges, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back.
6. Aim to serve others: Don’t do things for your own glory: do them to make something of value for other people.
7. Be inquisitive: Stay curious, observant, and interested in coming up with new ideas.
8. Remain persistent: Rejection, criticism, and setbacks are part of the game; don’t let them stop you from doing what you believe in.