To know oneself, one should assert oneself.
Do not weep do not wax indignant. Understand.
Only the educated are free.
The most effective way to do it, is to do it.
You never know what motivates you.
If you're going through hell, keep going.
Expect problems and eat them for breakfast.
Always desire to learn something useful.
Know or listen to those who know.
To be a good loser is to learn how to win.
I think an education is beneficial, but whether it takes an education to be successful in the arts is a whole other question.