“We tend to be on guard against negativity, against the people who are discouraging us from pursuing our callings or doubting the visions we have for ourselves.  This is certainly an obstacle to beware of, though dealing with it is rather simple.  What we cultivate less is how to protect ourselves against the validation and gratification that will quickly come our way if we show promise.  What we don’t protect ourselves against are people and things that make us feel good – or rather, too good.  We must prepare for pride and kill it early – or it will kill what we aspire to.  We must be on guard against that wild self-confidence and self-obsession.” ~ Ryan Holiday, Ego is the Enemy