What happens when the thing you’re most adept at becomes the thing that traps you? For “math prodigy” Thanh Ta, years of acing olympiads and chasing validation led to a suffocating cycle: the more he wants to achieve, the more setbacks to failure he has to overcome. In this candid talk, he shares his journey from obsessive self-confidence—where his identity hinged on being "the prototype"— to fulfilling a liberating discovery, hinting that “true growth begins when we release the weight of expectations.” With great humor and modesty, Thanh unpacks the myths of the self-proclaimed "natural talent," the danger of tying self-worth to results, and the radical mindset shift that helped him embrace progress over perfection. Whether you’re a high school student, or simply a recovering overachiever, his story will come in handy as a reminder: the path to success isn’t about applause and recognition, but more about discipline, momentum and self-compassion. Outstanding conqueror teen who seeks for the meaning of life while standing between a rock and a hard place during adolescence. After being labeled "the next prodigy", how he remains humble and tries to find his true pathway in life inspires every other teenager fighting against self-reflection and has yet to find their harmony. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx