11. If you want to kiss the sky, better learn how to kneel.

Learn and practice humility.  Do not parade your position and accomplishments or forget that the path to greatness is with others.  Do not confuse humility with humiliation.  Humility reflects your true nature and allows yourself to shine and others to do the same.  It will simultaneously protect you and open up opportunities for growth.  Humility is not only the absence of conceit or pride, but the ability to absorb unjust criticism and attack.

12. Hold fast to who you are created to be.  

You are more than a conqueror.  This principle includes learning to embrace your brokenness.  At times, people will not understand or mock you for who you are.  Be angry at them if you must, but this anger should turn into pity, understanding, and finally acceptance.  No matter the circumstances you are in, remember that you are a child of God and a king or queen in your own right.  Remember, that only a few people’s opinions of you in this world truly matter – God, your family, and your true friends.  Even so, except for God’s presence, there will be moments where you will feel truly alone.  

13. Not every inner circle is worth joining.

You will meet many people who will try to win your affections as well as exclude you.  Know when to be courted and when to be rejected.  At times, it is better to be on the outside.  There are few inner circles worth joining, many are temporary and almost always based on self-interest.  Never trade your autonomy and freedom for less than what they are worth.

14. Learn how to respond to the crowd.

Know when to follow, lead, or turn your back on them.  You must learn when the crowd is a mob and when it is not.

15. If possible, do not be hated.

You will encounter the irrelevant question of whether it is better to be loved or feared.  Neither state really matters so long as you are not hated.  As the original author who stated the question himself explained, leaders who are loved or feared generally do not open themselves up to attack by their subordinates.  Those who are hated, however, are constantly under the threat of anyone who despises them.  There will be times, however, where it is unavoidable to be hated, especially when you are maintaining your integrity and living up to who you are created to be.  At these times, being hated is a sign that you are on the right path.  Conversely, do not hate others, especially when it is deserved.  Hate clouds your judgment and weakens your soul.