My PhD recommendations are to:

1. Consider community – Your research experience will be informed by the relationships you build with your supervisors and peers, as well as in your spare time. A community divides the burden and multiplies the reward, and so consider the kind of environment that brings out the best in you.
2. Build on your enjoyment – The person who enjoys walking will walk further than the man who walks to get somewhere. Choosing your topic, designing your routine and seeking opportunities should begin with what inspires you.
3. Expect failure – Any good story involves battles of some kind. Yours will most certainly include periods of confusion, delays, and run-ins with reality. A mindset that is enthused by what lies on the other side of difficulty will make the most out of their experience.