What Practicing Until You Hyperventilate Teaches You

His high school basketball chapter is brutal. The seniors were among the prefecture's best; only two first-years, himself included, were allowed into their practices. Outmatched in physique, stamina, and skill, he clung on daily — hyperventilating repeatedly. In his words: "Nothing in my life, before or since, has been that hard."

He simply endured for six months — until his body changed, and he could keep up with everything. His conclusion: "That is what made me persevering." Note the quality of the hardship: struggling at the summit differs utterly from struggling at the bottom. Environment shapes people — so choose one slightly above you.

The place where you can barely keep up carries you farthest in six months.

What do you work for?