Based on the writings of Ellen White, avoiding failure in life is achieved by actively building a life founded on sound principles. True success is not seen as a matter of chance, but the result of aligning one's life with divine laws governing character, purpose, health, and duty. Here are key principles for building a successful life: ### 1. Have a Clear Purpose A definite aim is essential to prevent aimlessness and to focus the mind's energies productively. > "You should also have an aim, a purpose, in life. Where there is no purpose, there is a disposition to indolence, but where there is a sufficiently important object in view, all the powers of the mind will come into spontaneous activity. In order to make life a success, the thoughts must be steadily fixed upon the object of life, and not left to wander off and be occupied with unimportant things." (2T 429.1) ### 2. Build a Noble Character The development of character is presented as a greater inheritance than any material wealth. > "Better than any other inheritance of wealth you can give to your children will be the gift of a healthy body, a sound mind, and a noble character. Those who understand what constitutes life's true success will be wise betimes." (MH 366.3) ### 3. Be Faithful in Small Duties Success is built upon the foundation of conscientiousness in everyday tasks, no matter how small they seem. > "The secret of life's success is in a careful, conscientious attention to the little things. God makes the simple leaf, the tiny flower, the blade of grass, with as much care as He creates a world. The symmetrical structure of a strong, beautiful character is built up by individual acts of duty." (4T 572.1) ### 4. Adhere to Right Principles Living by principles of honesty, diligence, and purity is described as the "secret of true success." > "There is no branch of legitimate business for which the Bible does not afford an essential preparation. Its principles of diligence, honesty, thrift, temperance, and purity are the secret of true success. These principles, as set forth in the book of Proverbs, constitute a treasury of practical wisdom." (Ed 135) ### 5. Care for Your Physical Health Obedience to the laws of health is crucial, as it supports the highest development of body, mind, and soul. > "In teaching health principles, keep before the mind the great object of reform—that its purpose is to secure the highest development of body and mind and soul. Show that the laws of nature, being the laws of God, are designed for our good; that obedience to them promotes happiness in this life, and aids in the preparation for the life to come." (MH 146.4)