how to play the game

I am hoping to get into upt in the future, but I have heard a lot about it being a "game". I want to get a fighter slot so how do I win this game or at least perform well in it. I am in high school btw(junior ik im too early). I am planning on taking flight lessons so I have that out of the way at least, but in general, what do you recommend I start training for right now to increase my performance in upt (incase you cant tell im the kind of dude that leaves absolutely nothing up to chance). What should I do physically and mentally. I can take the academics, but my worst fear is that I will just be naturally untalented at flying. Another thing, what is the hardest thing about upt- not the constant workload or the hard physical training, but what is one skill that many struggle with or one mindset that people struggle with while flying and how would you go overboard with it. ik I am rambling a bit but if someone could also let me know what they would have done to increase their skill as a fighter pilot aspirant in high school, that would be great.