What makes a person the best at what he does or in his/her major?

Excellence in a field is shaped by a combination of internal and external factors. Here are some key elements:

1. Passion and Motivation: Deep personal interest and intrinsic motivation drive individuals to push beyond mediocrity, fueling persistence through challenges.

2. Continuously Practice: Consistent, focused, and purposeful practice that targets specific areas for improvement allows individuals to refine their skills over time.

3. Resilience: The ability to overcome failures and setbacks without losing motivation is crucial. Those who excel typically learn from mistakes and continue to evolve.

4. Curiosity and Learning: High achievers continuously seek to expand their knowledge and improve their understanding. They are lifelong learners who remain open to new ideas and techniques.

5. Mentorship and Feedback: Guidance from experienced mentors and constructive feedback are invaluable in accelerating growth and avoiding common pitfalls.

6. Adaptability: The best individuals can quickly adapt to changes and innovate when necessary, staying ahead of trends or shifts in their field.

7. Work Ethic and Discipline: Strong time management, consistency, and effort over long periods are key. Hard work often sets apart top performers from the rest.

8. Natural Talent: While not essential, natural aptitude in certain areas can give individuals a head start or make certain skills easier to acquire.

9. Purpose: A clear sense of purpose, or a larger goal beyond just personal success, can provide direction and motivation that sustains effort over the long term.

10. Collaboration and Networking: The ability to collaborate and learn from others, and being well-connected in one’s industry, can provide new opportunities, resources, and perspectives.