Twenty Eight

28 things it took me 28 years to learn

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