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This is a collection of the content I found most interesting in the past week: articles, quotes, videos, divided by macro categories.
A first principle is a basic assumption that cannot be deduced any further. Over two thousand years ago, Aristotle defined a first principle as “the first basis from which a thing is known.”
One of the primary obstacles to first principles thinking is our tendency to optimize form rather than function.
This is what Elon Musk is referring to when he says that people often “live life by analogy.”
Be wary of the ideas you inherit. Old conventions and previous forms are often accepted without question and, once accepted, they set a boundary around creativity.
An article written by the founder of Skillshare, it gives a good perspective and some tips regarding the think week, popularized by Bill Gates and become a widespread trend among corporate people located high in the hierarchy (at least that's what I have noticed based on some readings done on the matter).
A think week is a week spent in a cabin alone, isolated from the rest of the world and completely free of distractions. It's aim is to let the you think, read, reflect on some important questions you have and want to work through.
Continuous improvement is the habit and mindset of making small improvements every day, aware that these will compound over time to something significant.
Step 1: "Do more of what already works";
Step 2: "Avoid tiny losses";
Step 3: "Measure backwards".
If you get one percent better each day for one year, you'll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you’re done.
Successful people feel the same lack of motivation as everyone else. The difference is that they still find a way to show up despite the feelings of boredom.
Fall in love with boredom. Fall in love with repetition and practice. Fall in love with the process of what you do and let the results take care of themselves.
In this You Tube video, Ali Abdaal explains why the concept of motivation is a complete myth, making reference to the book 'The Motivation myth' by Jeff Haden.
The main idea being that there must be a shift in mindset. From thinking that we need to feel motivated to do what we want to get done to actually taking action. And motivation will follow. However, relying on motivation is volatile and 'external-locus-of-control thinking', which is generally not a positive approach to navigating life.
This is a YouTube video by Thomas Frank, where he shares 5 lessons he has learnt and consider fundamental when it comes to running a business.
Amateurs wait until they feel inspired to do creative work. Professionals do it on a strict schedule.
— James Clear
"Choose not to be harmed - and you won't feel harmed. Don't feel harmed - and you haven't been."
— Marcus Aurelius