1. Say “No”
When you say “NO” you have more time to read, learn, sleep, ask questions, contact friends, love life. Say “no” more.
2. Love
This is the only religion. This is the only thing worth surrendering to. This is the fuel for your idea muscle.
3. Make Mistakes
Mistakes are the spell books of success. Study them hard. Learn their incantations. When muscles tear they rebuild stronger.
4. Plant Seeds
Basic Garden Math: 1% of the seeds turns into 50% of the flowers. Plant lots of seeds.
5. Be Around People Who Are Kind to You and Love You
Other people will make you unhappy, unkind, and unsuccessful.
6. Stand Next to the Smartest
Harold Ramis did it (Bill Murray). Steve Jobs did it (Steve Wozniak). Craig Silverstein did it (Who? Larry Page). Kanye West did it (Jay-Z). I make money ONLY when I do this.
7. No Excuses
Blaming is draining. Complaining is draining. Explaining is draining. We don’t have enough inner plumbing for all that draining.
8. Don’t Be in a Rush
Every overnight success I’ve spoken to, took 10-20 years to get there. BUT ONLY if they celebrated small successes along the way.
9. Solve Difficult Gratitude Problems
If you can find a diamond in the mud, you’re going to end up with a lot of diamonds in life.
10. Warren Buffett’s 5/25 Rule
Make a list of the 25 things you want to do in life. Now do the top 5. And NEVER THINK ABOUT THE OTHER 20 EVER AGAIN. Else they will take time away from the 5 that are most important to you.
11. Write Down 10 Ideas a Day
This actually turns into a super power. Do this for six months straight and see what happens.
12. Follow Up
I’m shy and bad at this. And lazy. Send an email the next day with an idea on the next step. I have to do this.
13. Ask Questions
There are more questions than answers. Opportunities are buried in the questions. Facts can be outsourced.
14. 1% a Day
Whatever you want to get better at: do 1% more each day. 1% a day compounded, is 3800% a year. You win.
15. Right Now
Regret will waste time today worrying about yesterday. And anxiety will steal energy from the future. Focus on right now.
16. Sleep
Sleep rejuvenates brain cells, heals the body, reduces anxiety. And your brain is only active 2-5 hours a day. Sweet dreams.
17. Every Day, Avoid Death
You can’t get rich from a hospital bed. Or a grave. Move every day, sleep well, eat well.
18. Do One Thing Every Day You Loved as a Kid
This is usually the fuel that can power your life.
Wait! I thought there were 20!
