A couple I didn't see was having <i>good mentor(s)</i> & a <i>technical social network</i>. Those two things can make or break any person, successful or not. <p>Mentors allow you to develop without making basic mistakes & learning hard fought lessons that are not taught. Mentors also help with making informal connections. A technical social network allows you to tap into a diverse group informally when you are in trouble or when you need a sounding board for ideas or thoughts.