I think one of the most important things we should start to develop early on in our singing journey is ownership of our development.  By that, I mean learning in full detail how our instrument works and actively figuring out who we are and who we want to become. The two factors in combination will in turn allow us not to give our power away to teachers, coaches, or any mentors along the way. Enabling us to create and maintain autonomy over our art and our craft.