Have one variable you are trying to solve for: often it’s being around people who are the best in the world at what they do. Then know the limits you want to set — maybe how many hours you’ll be there, or where you want to live, or that you want your parents to be able to brag to their friends about you. The economist in me would call this an objective function, with one variable to optimize and as man…

Acknowledge that the environment in which you place yourself — your co-workers, your closest friends — will shape you. Select the environment by which you want to be shaped.

(Knowing where you want to live is a particularly important one that talented people often undervalue — pick a place you think will make you happy. Most people lack the luxury of being able to choose where to live. Appreciate your blessings.)