Theblueone, It's taken me decades to realize it's this simple...but it is...
You want to be the best plumber?
Face the facts, solve problems.
Want to be an avant-garde artist?
Face the facts, solve problems.
Want to be a noted academic?
Face the facts, solve problems.
Want to be a great parent?
Face the facts, solve problems.
You want to get in fit? Learn a language? Try a new recipe? Conquer an enemy?
Face the facts, solve problems.
We waste so much energy on our ego and social perception crap..