And here's the cold, hard truth: Becoming a superstar overnight is a hard thing to deal with. You are going to be praised and criticized -- ignore both. Soaking in the praise will only lead to a possible slip in your mental or physical preparation. In the same breath, focusing on negative criticism will hinder your play and ability to lead your team. Make a conscious effort to stay focused, especially in Los Angeles -- the city where countless celebrities hit rock bottom, no matter how much money or fame they had. There are a lot of distractions, and a ton of people will suddenly pull at you. It's OK to say no. Frankly, you'll have to in this profession if you want a shot at having a successful career. Keep your inner circle tight and spend your time and energy on the things that are the most important to you.