Grad school is a bit like that, i think. Especially the bit where your whole identity is constructed around the success of your project resonates with me. That's a trap that can make it very hard to not get depressed when the going is tough — and of course it's going to be. Bottom line, i think the second to last paragraph offers some very common sense, down-to-earth, and actionable advice.<p>« <i>When we gather our identity from many sources we create a more diversified sense of esteem. We can fail or stumble at one thing and still derive esteem from something else. I can face a challenge in building a new startup, but still redeem esteem from my identity as a writer, musician, hiker, family member. </i>»