There is no one more courageous than the person who speaks with the courage of his convictions.

Jealousy is an ugly emotion, but it tells the truth. You mostly envy those who have what you desire.

Figure out what you are meant to contribute to the world and make sure you contribute it

...true self-esteem comes from competence, not the other way around.

It's not that there is no small talk...It's that it comes not at the beginning of conversations but at the end...Sensitive people...'enjoy small talk only after they've gone deep' says Strickland. 'When sensitive people are in environments that nurture their authenticity, they laugh and chitchat just as much as anyone else.

Figure out what you are meant to contribute to the world and make sure you contribute it. If this requires public speaking or networking or other activities that make you uncomfortable, do them anyway. But accept that they're difficult, get the training you need to make them easier, and reward yourself when you're done.

College students who tend to study alone learn more over time than those who work in groups.