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As you elevate in life and gain more money and power, you'll naturally become more cocky and less paranoid. That's why you have to remain a student and work even harder to find people to challenge you and point out your blind spots. The most valuable currency you have is self-deprecation.

Ask, "Who is/are they?"

When you hear people talk about what "they" are saying, you better find out exactly who "they" are and what "they" are saying. If not, you're going to let limiting beliefs spread throughout your organization.

Marilyn Monroe said, "I restore myself when I'm alone. A career is born in public--talent in privacy."

Disappear for a while. Get so committed to leveling up that you don't have time to put on a public display. When you reappear, people won't recognize you.

Onassis, An Extraordinary Life by Frank Brady. (I say reading, but I'm actually listening to the audio version).

Check it out to see what made this billionaire, and companion to the Churchills, Kennedys, and Roosevelts, such an entertaining storyteller and sophisticated conversationalist (being a genius who spoke seven languages helped).

The high standards that leaders and mentors set for you.

Don't accept low standards, even if they're coming from your CEO. When your leader stops making you uncomfortable, that's a warning sign that the bar has been lowered. In other words, stay grateful for being challenged.