Fundamentally, we are a product of choice, not nature (genes) or nurture (upbringing, environment).

Strategy is important, but trust is the hidden variable. On paper you can have clarity around your objectives, but in a low-trust environment, your strategy won't be executed.

Happen to things, don't let things happen to you

If I really want to improve my situation, I can work on the one thing over which I have control - myself.

We see the world, not as it is, but as we are -- or, as we are conditioned to see it. When we open our mouths to describe what we see, we in effect describe ourselves, our perceptions, our paradigms.

Perhaps the most important vision of all is develop a sense of self, a sense of your own destiny, a sense of unique mission and role in life.

Little kindness and courtesies are so important. In relationships, the little things are the big things.