3-2-1: On Finding the Best Way to Do Something, How Timing Shapes Communication, and Making Unreasonable Requests

“Two truths that can be at odds:

1) There are no bonus points in life for doing it the hard way.

2) There is a lot to be gained in life by acting fast and giving your best effort.

Don’t let the excuse of searching for a better way prevent you from taking action.”

There’s a piece of advice I still struggle with, but that I’m more and more convinced lies at the heart of meaningful productivity, successful creative work, and a more vibrant life in general. That advice is: act fast. Move quickly. When you get a good idea, make it your default policy to put it into practice as soon as you reasonably can.

“Live with a bias toward action.

Ironically, this will teach you patience. When you take action each day, you learn the value of accumulating small improvements over time. You understand how daily habits compound.

Be impatient with your actions. Be patient with your results.”

“When nothing is working, explore and make a lot of small bets.

After something starts working, double down on what works best.

When that stops working, explore and make a lot of small bets again.”