Introduction

A top talent has smart ideas on how to crack scientific problems. But top talents have more than that. Einstein (apparently) said something like: “I have no special talent, I am only passionately curious”, which proves that other talents than just your intellect (or IQ) matter, too, if not more. Another putative quote from Einstein supports this: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” In the three previous chapters, I have outlined the essentials for a career in research. Great, but how do you put theory into practice, in your day-to-day life? Here is the strategy:

• Dream. What do you want to achieve? Imagine, like Einstein did. Dream your greatest future. At this point, don't limit yourself by “yes, but…”.

• Count. Learn from the past. Count your blessings. What was positive, what was negative?

• Believe. President Obama of the USA caught the American people's imagination in 2008 with his slogan “Yes, we can.” Do you think you can? Which beliefs, thoughts, and emotions play a role? Are they helpful or limiting?

• Act. Activate yourself. How can you make and execute plans?

• Care. Don't forget to look after yourself. Body and mind go hand in hand. Make and execute a plan to keep yourself in good mental and physical condition.

• Succeed. Which concrete actions are you really (yes really!) going to take now (right now!) to make the most of your talent?