Location, location, location

Last week NBC San Diego featured some of the country’s top skateboarders, all of whom had grown up in the city.

Without exception, each skater they interviewed, unprompted, attributed their growth and career success to growing up in the city which is home to a vibrant community of skaters and some of the best skateparks in the country.

It begs the question: would they be the same skaters today, performing at the same caliber, if they’d grown up elsewhere?

People and place offer just as much leverage for growth, if not substantially more, than tools.

Don’t just invest in more or better tools, invest in connecting with people who will challenge you to become better at your craft.