What turns ordinary people into overachievers is the way they use their minds when they are called on to perform.

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.

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

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 best players in any high-stakes field - business, entertainment, law, surgery, as well as sport - recognize that pressure occurs at the moments when meaningful accomplishment is possible. In fact, that is the reason why performers perform: for the opportunity to tackle challenges head on, to do something significant, to demonstrate what their hard work and talent can produce.

If you really want to find out what you're capable of, you cannot put limits on yourself, and you definitely cannot be cautious.

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