The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkinby Parker on TwosYou can't count on the world being silent, so your only option is to become at peace with the noise.Mental resilience is arguably the most critical trait of a world-class performer, and it should be nurtured continuously.When uncomfortable, your instinct should be not to avoid the discomfort but to become at peace with it.Seek out challenges as opposed to avoiding them.It is important to regain presence and clarity of mind after making a serious error. The first mistake rarely proves disastrous, but the downward spiral of the second, third, and fourth error creates a devastating chain reaction.A life of ambition is like existing on a balance beam. As a child, there is no fear, no sense for the danger of falling. The beam feels wide and stable, and natural playfulness allows for creative leaps and fast learning. You can run around doing somersaults and flips, always testing yourself with a love for discovery and new challenges. If you happen to fall off—no problem, you just get back on. But then, as you get older, you become more aware of the risk of injury. The beam is narrow and you have to stay up there. Plunging off would be humiliating.While a child can make the beam a playground, high stress performers often transform the beam into a tightrope. Any slip becomes a crisis.