Steps to Success

So, slightly different than the other "five most important thing for newbies" threads out there. What would you experienced players say are the most important steps to success for any new members in SL?

How do you define "success"?

Love what you do!

If you don't truely love whatever endeavor you are involved in you will not last in it and will be miserable before you quit.

In a very broad and general way. I guess; economic, and/or social success. Still, very broad definitions.

if there was a defined recipe i guess we would all be lindenaires

Not that I'm super experienced but after a few months I'd say these things:
1. Start small. Don't get over your head in debt with grand schemes from the beginning. Learn the ropes before you jump in and start buying land and stuff and never put more money into the game than you're willing to lose.
2. Read the forums. Lots of people have had problems that you can avoid by learning from their mistakes. You can avoid getting ripped off if you pay attention.
3. Ask questions. Many residents are glad to answer questions if you ask, and the worst they can say is no. Well, they could say worse than that, but you don't have to listen to them. The mute button is your friend in those cases.

I have to run off now, so I'll leave 4 and 5 for others to answer.

I remember hearing about a study that showed people happy in SL were already happy in RL.

So I guess my answer would be "know thyself"?

Then, however you define success, pursue the venues that support that, set reasonable goals that can be accomplished along the way so you feel rewarded for your efforts and accomplished.

I've met people in SL who feel successful scripting, as artists, event hosts, musicians, clothing makers and designers, contestants, game players, benefactors... Some charge for their products, some give them away and feel more successful based on who use and appreciate them. Heck, many even lose money but reap other rewards! (Like contributing to society and others' well being).

They all were applying their interests and abilities toward a goal they enjoy.

The least successful people I've met invest their time and energy in complaining or aimless endeavors. What will that accomplish?

My most important advice: READ. Read the website, knowledgebase, forums, etc. Knowing the procedures and policies will go a long way to heading off mistakes. If you are in a business in SL, you need to know the market you are competing in. Do your research. If you "don't have the time" or "don't have the ability" to read and research that which you are pouring your money into, well... a fool and their money are soon parted. A person needs to develop good business sense if they don't already have it.

Be passionate about what you do, and never pass over an opportunity to learn.

I think the rules of success that apply in RL apply here:

Be kind. Be generous. Be creative. Follow your bliss. Keep the community in mind. Don't take yourself too seriously. Think before you act. Pause before you react.

Get a healthy balance between SL and RL.

If you get into relationships, remember their is a sensitive person behind every avatar. And be careful, in this idealized world, things move fast and real emotions get involved no matter how casually you start.

Most important step for success: realise what success is.

A vague feeling of superiority, or perhaps smugness that you 'made it' in some way?

Lose the desire for it, and when you do, you'll *have* it.

That's one of my guiding principles in RL and in SL. It's never steered me wrong.

Who you know can be as important as what you know.

I don't mean that you need to be chums with all the famous/influential old people (I don't know anyone like that but I guess it would help) but when you have a circle of friends who are all looking out for each other, it helps each of you.

That worked for me.

That's exactly my motto. You MUST enjoy learning every day and trying to do or create things that are new or at least outstanding.

Best way to find success? Stop looking for it. Let go of the idea that SL is a 'game' that you can 'win'; seek out new experiences, if you want...never pass up an opportunity to be kind...Speak to as many people as possible; many of them will be idiots, but don't let that stop you...Occasionally one will be wonderful...Thank people when they're kind to you; remember they don't have to be...Never set out to make the world worse...and if you can, try to make it better. Most importantly, remember that person, mecha, furry, whatever; everyone you meet is a real person, and everything you do impacts all the real people around you...and that SL without people is an empty theme park, and there's nothing creepier than that.
Now I'm going to stop, before I start sounding like that 'Sunscreen' record...

Step 1: Don't take Second Life too seriously.
Step 2-5: Repeat Step 1.

Bonus Step; It could be worse, you could be in Cleveland.

I don't know anything first hand about economic success in SL, I don't own a business and have no plans for one. As for social success, I have quite surprisingly achieved that, despite being rather shy and reserved, at least I have achieved it as I define the term. To wit, I have a wonderful, fun, entertaining and caring circle of friends and, quite surprisingly have even found romance. How did I do this? Simple - I try very, very hard to treat everyone the way I like to be treated myself.

The people I know who are succesful in business tend to do the same thing.

It works.