High achievers dwell on what they do well and spend very little time evaluating themselves and their performances.

I have discovered that I cannot enhance anybody's performance without getting them not only to live with the butterflies that come with high-pressure jobs but to embrace that kind of physical response, enjoy it, get into it. That's the first real ticket to being a performer who thinks exceptionally.

Arrogant S.O.B.s run the world. A performer can never have too much self-confidence. The best in every field are likely to strike most people as irrationally confident, but that's how they got to the top.

Overachievers don't think reasonably, sensibly, or rationally.

Overachievement is aimed at people who want to maximize their potential. And to do that, I insist you throw caution to the wind, ignore the pleas of parents, coaches, spouses, and bosses to be "realistic."

The true exceptional performer is on super pilot. Every single sense, every fiber of his body is brought together in what he is doing.

As soon as anyone starts telling you to be "realistic," cross that person off your invitation list.