what we accomplish in the marathon of life depends tremendously on our grit — our passion and perseverance for long-term goals. - Angela Duckworth

Encouragement during the early years is crucial because beginners are still figuring out whether they want to commit or cut bait. Accordingly, Bloom and his research team found that the best mentors at this stage were especially warm ans supportive: 'perhaps the major quality of these teachers was that they made the initial learning very pleasant and rewarding. much of the introduction to the field was as playful activity, and the learning at the beginning of this stage was like a game'.
A degree of autonomy during the early years is also important. Longitudinal studies tracking learners confirm that overbearing parents and teachers erode intrinsic motivation. Kids whose parents let them make their own choices about what they like are more likely to develop interests later identified as a passion.

"Stay positive," Cody said. "Go past those negative beliefs in what's possible and impossible and just give it a try."

A girl who is told repeatedly that she's no genius ends up winning an award for being one.