Hard work and persistence is the key. Nice article.

I agree with you! People seem to have forgotten the relationship between the ideas of "criticism" and "critique" and the difference between the two: I was raised in the belief that while anyone can be a critic (and criticize), few have the emotional maturity and grace to give a useful critique of most subjects. You seem to have a really solid handle on the more positive of the two.
As the son of a teacher and a former athlete that trained and competed at a national level, it disappoints me that so few people have this skill. I think of it as the ability to both teach and coach. And while it seems a lot of lip-service is given to mentoring in the business world today, so many middle managers seem to believe it only means crushing the spirits of the co-workers they view as sub-human subordinates.
I really enjoyed reading this!!! I wish you continued good luck for the New Year, Kerry!

The article is good. I liked it because it feels like you are talking with me and if I could smell coffee right now I would swear we were at Starbucks. You have encouraged me enough to try my hand at it as well. Thanks. Also thanks for the perfect spelling and grammar, I am also a fan or critic as the case may warrant.