Why do prodigies fail to turn early promise into later success? No doubt, a lot of reasons, but one that researchers found: "excessive extrinsic control and pressure, leading to a decline of intrinsic motivation." Don't smother and control talent, you'll extinguish the flame.

Hard work absolutely matters. But so does recovery, so does having friends, family, and hobbies, and other outlets. I know that sounds sacrilegious to the 'pushers', but there's a reason why Nobel Prize-Winning scientists are 3x as likely to have a hobby. We need a break.

Confidence comes from being good, not great. Anyone can have the stars align & have a great day. But the confidence from that is fleeting. Confidence comes from consistency. Show up and make your normal pretty darn good. Focus on raising the floor, not just the ceiling.