High self-esteem comes from feeling like you have control over events not that events have control over you.

Complexity is the enemy of execution!

Find a great role model, perhaps someone who struggled and only really succeeded when older. Their biography and what they've done differently from you will help you. If such a person is willing to mentor you or at least allow you to work around them, great.

If you don't set a baseline standard for what you'll accept in life, you'll find it's easy to slip into behaviours and attitudes or a quality of life that's far below what you deserve.

Creativity is often blocked by trying to be perfect. Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.

The ability to find meaning in the most difficult times, I think, is one of the most important skills of life.

Remember anything you want that's valuable requires you to break through short-term pain in order to gain long-term pleasure.