We perceive through images. We think in metaphors. We learn by stories. We create with fantasy.

Listen for when someone is dismissing your ambitions. Only the petty do that. Avoid them. Instead, seek out those much better than you; they’ll make you feel that you can achieve your dreams, as theirs are probably even larger. They’ll wave you on to the finish line.

You can live your life as the result of history and what came before, or you can live your life as the cause of what’s to come. You choose.

Never hire people for “cultural fit.” What a pernicious term. Instead, hire insanely talented people for their “cultural contribution.” For how unique they are. For why they are different from you. For what they will add that you do not have.

A brand is always answering two questions. The first one internally facing: What do we believe? The second, externally: How do we behave? You must remain authentic to yourself, your core values, and what you stand for. If you’re not, people will sniff you out. But your brand must maintain cultural congruence — remaining relevant to the times,... See more

Mastery is not gained from intellect. Mastery is not gained from talent. Mastery is not gained from ambition. Mastery is only gained from time and focus applied to your craft over many, many years. Do not conflate it with fame.

It is never about winning. It is never about losing. It is only about contributing. It is only about learning.

Stuck on a problem you can’t solve? Go bigger. Expand it. Make it giant. Do not try to contain it, or simplify it, or reduce it. Make it so large that you can begin to see a new pattern. Solve the larger problem and the smaller one will get solved along the way.

Experience. Don’t observe.

Inhale. Don’t read.

Transfigure. Don’t shift.

Advocate. Don’t ponder.

Prove. Don’t promise.

Encourage. Don’t cut.

Imagine. Don’t worry.

Do. Don’t analyze.

Hear. Don’t listen.

Show. Don’t tell.

Give. Don’t take.