[johnminter]

My take from the article is that one needs sufficient confidence and persistence to set a goal, a plan to achieve it, and the self-discipline to do the work to achieve it. Self directed learners have a better possibility to do this, especially if they have mentors to help them to get over the hard spots. Of course, one wants to "pay forward" this type of help.

[annoyingnoob]

I agree its about self-confidence, also desire to achieve a goal. Confidence and desire, the rest follows naturally.