Ambitious people are a dime a dozen. Most people doubt themselves. All of us — in some shape or form — are stuck in la-la land.

One of the most difficult yet useful skills is the ability to balance your aspirations with reality. A pessimist and an idealist both miss the point. The point is to have optimism about your future but look at the state of society, your environment, and your circumstances without rose-colored glasses.

Read more at The Ladders.