"Never look at the swimmers in the other lane."  You should focus on what you are doing and what you need to accomplish, not turn around to look at how everyone else is doing.  Our tendency is often to measure success in comparison to others, but thanks to these words form my mom, I realize that only slows you down and takes your focus away from what you need to get done.

If at first you don't succeed, find out why!"  Ms. Frizzle of the Magic School Bus.  Just because you don’t get it the first time, doesn't mean you ever won't