Willpower

Science has long debated whether genetics or environment plays a greater role in determining what a person will be like. However, in my opinion, they leave out the biggest factor of all: free will. Even if a person is born with great potential, they and they alone decide how to use it, if they do at all. You cannot force a brain. Ascribing achievement to heredity and surroundings is ridiculous. Of course, we must take into account that it is adults who write the authoritative texts on psychology. They like to think that they control exactly how their children turn out. The problem is, children are not paper dolls that you can cut out just how you want and dress how you please. We are acknowledged as willful, rebellious creatures.

The point is, no matter how much parents push their kids, it comes down to intrinsic motivation. A student has to want to succeed, to push their limits, to work hard. If they don't, they cannot succeed. Willpower can keep people going past what others think is possible. It lends superhuman strength to those who have it and astounds those who don't. It is the closest thing we have to magic, but is grossly underestimated.

The greatest thing one can do is to master one's self. As Shakespeare said, "This above all: to thine own self be true." Once that happens, all else falls into place.

Something to ponder.