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.

Keep in mind, however, that many assumptions are correct. Do not turn an exercise of validation into a witch hunt that focuses on proving the ideas you want to be true. If you aren’t careful, you will waste a lot of time and energy in denial before ending back where you started.

Anaïs Nin, the French-Cuban writer, said, “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” How big or small your world is—and the life you lead—is wholly up to you.

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

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.

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.

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

The Law of Expression Embrace the parts of you that others call weird. Don’t hide what makes you different. Allow those parts to float to the top and be seen by all. Your uniqueness is what makes your creations original, effective, and memorable.

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.