Good Advice

Focusing on past accomplishments creates obstacles to success in the present. If you're still talking about something great you did 20 years ago like it was yesterday, your ego is getting in the way.

What you did in the past makes a good story. What you're doing now makes a difference.

If someone admits they made a mistake, have the grace to let it go.

Holding it over them ensures they won’t be quick to admit they were wrong in the future.

Outcome over ego

Biologist Roger Payne on the power of having your boots on the ground and paying attention:

“Any observant local knows more than any visiting scientist. Always. No exceptions.”

“In theory, consistency is about being disciplined, determined, and unwavering.

In practice, consistency is about being adaptable. Don’t have much time? Scale it down. Don’t have much energy? Do the easy version. Find different ways to show up depending on the circumstances. Let your habits change shape to meet the demands of the day.

Adaptability is... See more

“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.”

“Time will multiply whatever you feed it. Good habits make time your ally. Bad habits make time your enemy.”

One way to restrain our tendency toward overconfidence is to habitually position ourselves in such a way that renders a prediction of the future unnecessary.

You might not know with certainty when the 100-year flood is coming, but you do know with certainty it will come. And that means you should leave yourself positioned accordingly.

The purpose of... See more

“One of the most important parts of developing an identity that can thrive, persist, and endure change is to diversify your sense of self. You can think of identity like a house. You want the house to have multiple rooms. Perhaps there is a “parent” room; an “athlete” room; an “employee,” “entrepreneur,” or “executive” room; a “community member” ro... See more

“Make sure you know what makes you happy, and don’t forget it.”

― Derek Sivers