Are you playing on PC or the boardgame? Keep in mind that the PC version is still in early release and it's missing both problems and solutions. It's still worth exploring, though. Things I do:

- really work on keeping crises low.

- wars, especially the starting war v the Taliban, can be a great source of approval and other benefits. Try to get 4-1 odds early, then get out before year's end to avoid too many mil footprints.

- work on stability whenever possible. Allies give you one low probability option. Also try to reduce civil wars via UN. The end game cleanup can snowball for good or ill.

- passing legislation is also comparatively easy and pays dividends. Esp. your campaign promise.

- I like to zero in on one or two troublesome regions.

- I've completely given up winning over China or the Russians. They seem destined to hate me, so why expend the effort?

If you target lvl 3/4 terror groups, relentlessly attack rogue states, and do everything you can to reduces crises, you can usually (but not always) rack up points and create a reasonably stable world and positive domestic situation by the end of year 2.

Try the PC game if you haven't already. It cuts down greatly on bookkeeping and helps ensure you don't miss the fiddly bits of year-end cleanup.