Personal Manuals, Manifestos, principles, and Read MEs

In Rob Walker’s recent newsletter, “‘No’ Rules,” he talks about how extreme self-imposed constraints can spur creative leaps and your signature work. (Rob has an assignment he gives to students, “Always/Never,” in which he has his students make a list of 3 things their work must always do, and 3 things their work must never do.

the best belief system is probably the one that makes you more of the person you want to be

My number one value is the pursuit of excellence. I am drawn to being the best in the world at whatever I do. This obsession shapes who I am.

A core way I spend my time is in the company of people who are world-class in their fields, passionate people who are consistently driven to excel. A common thread I’ve noticed among them is a sense that... See more