Why I Respect the Fundamentals: The Hidden Power of Mastering the Basics

The Basics Are Never Basic In high-performance spaces—whether on the track, in the classroom, or at a chessboard—it’s easy to get caught chasing the advanced stuff. People are quick to focus on strategy, edge cases, or hacks that promise faster results. I’ve been there myself. But time and time again, I’ve learned that the real […]
The Case for Thoughtful Competition: How to Compete Without Losing Your Center

Competition Has Always Been Part of Me I grew up surrounded by competition. Whether I was sprinting down the track, playing basketball, or lining up chess pieces for my next match, I thrived in environments where effort met challenge. Competing always gave me energy. It helped me grow. And it still motivates me today. But […]