If we only wanted to be happy, it would be easy; but we want to be happier than other people, which is almost always difficult, since we think them h… - Meg Jay

"For the most part, "naturals" are myths. People who are especially good at something may have some innate inclination or some particular talent, but they have also spent about ten thousands hours practicins or doing that thing."

With all the attention paid to the urban tribe, however, many twentysomethings have limited themselves to huddling together with like-minded peers. Some are in almost constant contact with the same few people. But while the urban tribe helps us survive, it does not help us thrive. The urban tribe may bring us soup when we are sick, but it is the people we hardly know — those who never make it into our tribe — who will swiftly and dramatically change our lives for the better.

people who have some control over their emotions report greater life satisfaction, optimism, purpose, and better relationships with others.