It’s a little self-indulgent, but I’m dedicating today’s post to 28 things I’ve learnt over the years.
In other words, 28 things that I’ll probably laugh at in another 28 years time.
So, here goes:
1. Life is a casino: you can increase your odds by spreading your bets
Instead of cash, you bet with time: and placing bets on lots of different things will maximise your odds of hitting the big time. And besides, life is better when you have lots of eggs and lots of baskets.
2. Have a bias for action
3. Everyone cares 75% less than you think they do
4. Define your priorities before difficult choices arise
When it’s time to make a decision about a new job, home or anything else, having pre-defined priorities gives you clarity.
5. Keep lots of lists. Books to read, ideas for future gifts, places to go
6. Don't leave health too late
Being skinny is less important than having longevity, and never letting poor health block you from the things you want to do.
7. Being kind will get you further than almost any skill
People always choose the person they like.
8. Read something and walk somewhere every day.
9. Reality can never compete with your imagined perfect, so don't compare them
Your imaginary life doesn’t have to contend with the laws of reality. Practice gratitude and don’t chase perfection.
10. If you’re scared to do something, do it scared
11. Almost all tricks for saving money are a waste of time
Putting away a penny a day just moves money around. The only thing that works is: spending less than you earn and investing the surplus.
12. What feels obvious to you is novel to someone else
13. Failure is feedback
14. The best investment is in yourself
Building your own skills and knowledge will reap greater returns than any stock or fund.
15. You can do basically anything so long as it's in moderation
16. In a choice between two rooms, go in the one where you're the dumbest
You’ll learn more and have more fun when you’re the least experienced, most stupid person in the room.
17. You overestimate what you can do in a month, you underestimate what you can do in a year
18. Pre-plan your small talk when meeting someone new.
Find something you have in common, think of a few questions or prepare an anecdote. Don't comment on the weather.
19. Chase rejection
20. Emotional resilience is cool
You can build your mental strength just like your physical strength: by embracing discomfort, practicing mindfulness and studying.
21. Make predictions, not resolutions
22. The ability to write with clarity will get you further than almost any other skill
Even AI depends on your ability to clearly articulate what you want from it. Spelling and grammar are less important than putting the right words in the right order.
23. Have high standards, and high patience when they're not met
24. You'll get what you want if you know what your opposite wants
Start every negotiation with empathy. The best way to sell a pen is to ask “do you need a pen?”.
25. Family is foundational
26. Don't believe everything you think or feel
Your emotions are tricksters. Having a thought doesn’t make it true, having a feeling doesn’t mean you need to act on it.
27. Don't be tight. Be generous to yourself and others
28. Ignore advice from 28-year-olds
Love this xx
Different approach to life, lateral thinking, great!