most limitations require one’s own permission to be applied, that many can be rejected or fashioned into new ones.

Epictetus, the Greek philosopher, once said, “When someone is properly grounded in life, they shouldn’t have to look outside themselves for approval.”

The ideal number of concepts to combine is two or three. Any more than three and the person on the other end, the one trying to understand you, isn’t going to make all the necessary connections for your new concept to hit. Any less and, well, you just have one thing—that’s called copying.

According to Alexander, “With the right attitude, self-imposed limitations vanish.” The trick is recognizing that most limitations, while seemingly originating from others, ultimately rely on you to give them power.

When you are faced with a problem, take inventory of the elements and ideas involved. The best path to a solution is found by shaping the clearest question possible, and it’s in this question that the strongest assumptions lie. Start by asking: • What’s the goal? • What has been tried? • What hasn’t been tried? • What resources are available? •

Ask yourself, What will really happen if I don’t succeed? Frequently, the answer is: Not much. Failure can be a huge hit emotionally, but more often than not it is just a small hit to reality.

The Law of Connection Base concepts can neither be created nor destroyed, they simply merge to form new combinations. Creativity is not about creating—it is about combining.

There are a lot of people out there who like the things you like. But as you start to layer your interests, they form a unique imprint that is entirely your own. Considering all the variables that are actually in play—hobbies, personality, experiences, family, culture, skills, location, beliefs, education, knowledge, and more—you are far more

The Law of Disruption You have every right to challenge, question, and improve upon the ideas that are handed to you. At some point, these ideas evolved from and innovated on what came before them. It follows, then, that they themselves will eventually be replaced.