In March 2020, I launched a weekly newsletter called Words Into Works. I had no idea how readers would react, or whether I could commit to the cadence of publishing once a week, but I took the leap. 20,000 words later, I’m 40 editions in and I haven’t missed a single deadline. (I’ve even found […]

We all experience failure in one form or another. But blaming, while admittedly helpful at times, robs our ability to pinpoint the real problem and learn from our mistakes.   Thomas Andrews, the man responsible for building the Titanic, was last seen by many alone, arms folded, racked with guilt moments before the ship floundered on its maiden […]

When Jim Collins met James Stockdale to research his book, he was surprised to learn that it wasn’t just optimism that helped the Vietnam veteran endure torture at the hands of his captors, but also, to paraphrase Stockdale, unabashed discipline. [1] “[The optimists] died of a broken heart,” replied Stockdale when asked who didn’t make it out […]

In April 1996, Gian-Carlo Rota, a professor of applied mathematics and philosophy at MIT, gave a conference talk titled, “Ten Lessons I Wish I Had Been Taught.” As his talk wound down, Rota offered practical advice on how to be a genius, recounting a conversation with his late friend and colleague, Richard Feynman. [1] You […]

To get rich, says Naval Ravikant, we must seek specific knowledge, accountability, and leverage. Pursue your genuine curiosity and passion rather than whatever is hot right now. Specific knowledge is often highly technical or creative and cannot be outsourced or automated.  Take business risks under your name as much as possible. Take credit when things go well and ownership […]