How to Have a Successful Teenage Life

Co-authored by Mel Shipman

Last Updated: January 6, 2023

Everyone wants to succeed in their life, don't they? Even as a teenager, you can achieve success in your life; it really isn't that hard. Follow the steps below, and successful teenage years will follow suit!

Steps

1
Do well in school. No matter how boring it is now, education will help you be a productive member in society. Strive for excellence in school; try your best, listen to the teachers, do your homework, study, and get good grades. Doing so will help you get into a better college/university, which will enable you to get a great job in the future. School sets you up on the right track!
2
Help out in your community. Volunteering can not only improve your community's status, it could make you happier. Studies show that people who volunteer are less likely to develop depression and other emotional issues than people who don't. Find volunteer opportunities that interest you, for example, if you love animals, volunteer at an animal shelter. If you like helping people, volunteer at a soup kitchen. If you love helping the environment, plant trees or pick up litter. When you help others, it will make you feel better about yourself. You're making a big difference in the world, and to top it all off, having lots of volunteer hours will look good on your resume!

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3
Figure out your goals in life and work toward them. Start thinking about careers you would like to be in, but make a good choice based on your interests and strengths.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Mental Health America
Non-Profit Organization
Expert Interview.} This could be your job for the rest of your life! You could also work towards non-career-related goals, such as creating your own fundraiser, getting good grades in school, joining a team sport, etc. Challenge yourself and you'll be surprised what you can accomplish!
- Think about what success means to you. What does it look like? What will it feel like when you achieve it? Then, create a list of all the ways you can achieve this success. Narrow down your options to the top 3-5 that mean the most to you.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mel Shipman
  Certified Life Purpose Coach, Owner of NextLevel Life, LLC
  Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.}
4
Don't get into any trouble, legal or otherwise. It could ruin your future plans. Avoid the peer pressure and ditch the cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. Abide the law and avoid ending up in the back of a police car. If you're being pressured into anything, walk away. If you can avoid these things during your teen years, they're a lot easier to avoid once you're out of high school and away from peer pressure.
5
Be nice to your parents and teachers. Remember, they're there to help you be the best that you can be. Respect them and value their opinions, even if they annoy you sometimes.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Mental Health America
Non-Profit Organization
Expert Interview.} Keep in mind that they do the things they do because they care about you and want you to succeed in life. You don't get to choose your teachers or your family, but you still have to put up with them. Learn how to deal with people now, because when you're an adult, you don't get to choose your boss or your co-workers, so learn how to respect them now.
6
Have good friends to help you out! Friends are there to support you and lift your spirits. Be with people who make you happy, and ditch the ones who don't. Create a group of supportive, loving friends that can help you succeed in life and live your dreams. Find a few really good friends that will stick with you once you leave high school.
7
Get active! Join a sports team at school or out of school. Go for a run around your neighborhood. Take your dog on a nice, long walk. Join a yoga group, go swimming at the local recreation center, do sit-ups during commercial breaks on TV - anything! Just exercise!^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Mental Health America
Non-Profit Organization
Expert Interview.} It helps you feel better, mentally and physically. Studies show that people who get active in their child/teen years will be more active when they're adults, so start getting active now.
8
Do what you love. Adopt a hobby; reading, writing, sewing, singing, dancing, playing a sport, making pottery, etc. It will pass time and help you develop your personality.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Mental Health America
Non-Profit Organization
Expert Interview.} Experiment and discover new things; you might be surprised to find that you really like them!
9
Believe in something. Start believing in a cause, whether it is a social or environmental issue, or even a religion. You will start forming your own ideas this way. Form your own opinions and stand by them. Stand up for what you believe is right.
10
Live life to the fullest! You're only young for a short time, and before you know it you'll be an adult that will be lying around saying, "I wish I had done this when I was younger." Be daring, go out into the world and live life! Life is short, so enjoy it while you can.

Community Q&A

Question

How to be successful young mind in witnessing Christ

Brandyce Ingram

Community Answer

Join a community of people who are just as passionate about their faith as you are! Share your story (that is, how you came to witness Christ) with others and listen to their stories intently. Discuss the gospel with them to deepen your relationship and increase your understanding of Christ. Seek out a mentor from your church or faith-based community center to help guide you and your relationship to Christ. You can even act as a mentor for young children in your faith-based community.
Question

What if I cant truly be me due to my parents telling me it's wrong

Brandyce Ingram

Community Answer

Unfortunately, parents don't understand sometimes (especially if something about your beliefs, style of dress, gender, or sexuality doesn't align with their beliefs and/or ideas). If you're a teen, the good part is that you'll likely be moving out of your house soon anyway—then, you can live your life the way you want. You can try to have an open conversation with them about why their ideas are close-minded (and even hurtful, if that's the case). Be calm, informative, and open in case they have any questions. It might also help to have a friend or family member (one who understands) around to mediate the conversation if things get heated. If being yourself or even bringing up certain topics in your household will lead to a dangerous situation (or if it's led to a dangerous situation in the past), talk to a school counselor or trusted adult about what to do. If you're part of a community center and have supportive people there, go to them for advice or ask them for help if you need it.
Question

How to make friends?

Brandyce Ingram

Community Answer

School is a great place to make friends as a teen. Approach someone at lunch, between classes, after school, or at school events. Use something you have in common as an opener. For instance, you might say "Hey, I saw that Rolling Stones sticker on your notebook—I'm huge fan too. What's your favorite album?" You can also start up conversation by giving them a compliment. For example, "Your presentation on Kurt Vonnegut today was so funny! 'Bluebeard' is one of my all-time favorites!" Once you're talking, deepen your connection by asking them questions about themselves and sharing a little about you as well. You could ask about their favorite movies, sports, and music. If your both enjoying each other's company, ask if they'd like to sit with you at lunch or meet up to hang out after school. Once you break the ice, the friendship will happen naturally over time. If you're shy or nervous about approaching people, practice doing it in your head a few times. Envision yourself being confident and polite. You can do it! You can also meet people outside of school like at community centers, sporting events, parks, stores, and shopping malls.