ambition

Let’s talk about Ambition vs. Agency Ambition is like speed: • speed = scalar quantity • has only magnitude Agency is like velocity: • velocity = vector quantity • has both magnitude & direction It doesn’t matter how fast you run if you’re running in the wrong direction.

The age of anti-ambition. Doing the bare minimum, retiring early and idling for pleasure is increasingly aspirational as a new generation opts out of productivity culture and an unhealthy obsession with success.

But while the stereotype of ambition is indeed someone like Elon Musk (or Steve Jobs, before that), I don't think you literally need to aim for Mars to stir the heart of sailors. Nor do I think you need to be as abrasive or demanding, as the stereotype implies. That's the balance we've been trying to find at 37signals since its inception: The visio... See more

Things that reduce the odds of long-term success: + Saying yes to too many things. + Making excuses. + Staying up late. + Eating poorly. + Checking email first thing in the AM. + Working more to fix being busy. + Buying things you don't have the money for. What am I missing?