I think purity is such an enticing idea. I think we’re drawn to extremes—we’re interested in the worst of humanity and the best. We want to find the outer edges of things. Where’s the limit? Who was the best person to ever live? Who was the worst? Then, the next logical question is: where do I fall?

The individual who is obliged to “realize the shadow”—to discover it consciously—gains, however, not only the personal satisfaction of becoming more honest but also becomes less touchy, not so defensive or inclined to know for certain what is right and wrong. A person who can acknowledge to some degree his or her shadow becomes more compassionate

My whole life I have worked on this issue. Mental resilience is arguably the most critical trait of a world-class performer, and it should be nurtured continuously. Left to my own devices, I am always looking for ways to become more and more psychologically impregnable. When uncomfortable, my instinct is not to avoid the discomfort but to become at