The biggest mistake made by emerging speakers is that they discount their own experience.
To be the best, learn from the best
All I had was persistence. Turns out that's all you need.
Stage time, stage time, stage time.
Change is a sheep in wolf's clothing
If your short-term goals are too high, you may give up too soon. If your long-term goals are too low, they may not give you enough enthusiasm to drive you over the bumps in the road along the way.