Take the wheel in this drive through life.

If you're unhappy because life hasn't turned out quite the way you expected, either get accustomed to disappointment, or do something about it. Understand that you are capable of so much more... the question is whether you choose to believe that and willing to make it happen.

You can start by letting go of any expectations. It's important to have goals and to visualize yourself achieving those goals, but don't let such things develop into expectations. Life rarely turns out how we expect; clinging to a predetermined construct will typically cloud your judgment and often lead to grief. Instead, you can hope for the best, accept what unfolds, and choose to interpret things positively. Also, watch for opportunity because it accompanies change, and it is there for the taking. This mindset will allow you to excel.

Next, strive to live in the present by remaining aware of what's unfolding around you, as well as within you in any given moment. Tune in to each situation, and also consider the impact it has on those around you. Such mindfulness will boost your understanding, enhance your realization, and allow you to make better choices. For example, simply choosing to be optimistic will often lead to opportunity, and it can also improve your quality of life. The choices you make define you as an individual and dictate your reality, so it's helpful to remain attentive to the many choices you have each day.

Finally, to get what you want, pursue your dreams with passion. Hard work produces results, and if you focus your efforts then those results can translate into success. The term 'work' may have a negative connotation, so one key to productivity is to find work that you enjoy. If you identify things that inspire you or create feelings of joy or excitement, then spending time contributing to such pursuits won't even feel like work; furthermore you will naturally perform better and accomplish more. Determine what motivates you and then go for it!

To gain a more thorough understanding of these various principles, along with dozens of others that you can leverage to excel in life, simply read this guide and then act with focused determination.