Being gifted intellectually is only a small part of the equation of success. Concentrate on the factors you have control over: persistence, self-discipline, confidence. Far more failures are due to lack of will than lack of ability.

I didn't respond well to a firm hand and insults.

Fans are fans. I hated and loved them, hated and loved them, hated and loved them.

You can't have 'yes' people around you.

I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid.

When I was labeled stupid, that scarred me forever.

I’m always happy-go-lucky, and people look at me and find it shocking that I could be depressed.