Never settle for second when first is available
The best way to save face is not to use the lower half.
Underconfidence breeds underachievement.
How do you know what it's like to be stupid if you've never been smart?
Sacrifice, discipline and prayer are essential. We gain strength through God's word. We receive grace from the sacrament. And when we fumble due to sin - and it's gonna happen - confession puts us back on the field.
You can pay people to perform, but you can't pay people to excel.