talent sets the floor, but character sets the ceiling.

Before you release something into the world, assess whether it represents you well. If this was the only work people saw of yours, would you be proud of it?

The most meaningful form of performance is progress. The ultimate mark of potential is not the height of the peak you’ve reached, but the distance you’ve traveled—and helped others travel.

The key question is not how long people have done a job. It’s how well they can learn to do a job.

beware of mistaking past accomplishments and experience for future potential. Background and talent determine where people start, but character skills shape how far they can climb.

You don’t need a map to start on a new route—you just need a compass to gauge whether you’re heading in the right direction.

A plateau is not a cue that you’ve peaked. They’re signals that it may be time to turn around and find a new route. When you’re stuck, it’s usually because you’re heading in the wrong direction, you’re taking the wrong path, or you’re running out of fuel. Gaining momentum often involves backing up and navigating your way down a different road—even

elevate people who put the mission above their ego—and prioritize team cohesion over personal glory.

When you’re struggling to appreciate your progress, consider how your past self would view your current achievements. If you knew five years ago what you’d accomplish now, how proud would you have been?