1/ Controversial take: hard work is more important than smart work.
It's a myth that we only have a few hours of good creative work per day. Train yourself to grind long hours first. You will surprise yourself. The work naturally become higher quality, less distracted.
Every kid I knew growing up, even non United fans was rocking his hairstyle, wore mercurials and tried to mimick the way he played esp the skills and the knuckleball free kick
You actually had to grow up in that era to understand the greatness
I like the idea of taking your life incredibly seriously while refusing to take yourself too seriously. find a pursuit that makes you excited to be alive. read widely, move your body often, and keep getting better at whatever matters to you. protect your solitude. love your people deeply and occasionally stay out until a completely unreasonable hour. seems like a pretty damn good way to live.