5 Things Every Successful Woman Does

Refinery29 is participating in First Lady Michelle Obama's #GimmeFive challenge. To learn more, click here.

Ever wonder how strong, powerful women got to be that way? Sure, dreaming big is a start, but hearing real, hands-on life advice from the women who have already made it is positively invaluable.

From Madonna to Jenni Konner to Lauren Conrad, these women are pioneers in their fields, and they've let us in on their personal mantras for success. Whether you need a little motivation to keep plugging away in your career or you just want to be inspired, these words of wisdom will help guide you.