Realize that in a lot of companies most people are mediocre at best; nowhere near "leet." It's worth studying psychology to understand that many of the swords h

Realize that in a lot of companies most people are mediocre at best; nowhere near "leet." It's worth studying psychology to understand that many of the swords held over your head in interviews/scouting are plastic and held by insecure people. Doing so takes the pressure off and helps you to realize that there's a ton of opportunity out there if you want to get to that level. The truth, though, is to build stuff, practice, and don't stop. I've circumvented most of the gatekeeper stuff because I intentionally hustled freelance/contract work early on and got to a level where I had a portfolio of high-quality work (i.e., leave money on the table short-term to make big money easily long-term). Now if companies turn me down, they look like fools. Always worth asking: "how do I circumvent the hoops?" Also (via Derek Sivers): > “The standard pace is for chumps.” - Kimo Williams Feel free to email if you want an opportunity to practice/gain experience: ryan.glover@cheatcode.co.