3-2-1: How to be great, the power of cold emails, and the dangers of working late

“For a few weeks, I started each morning by writing “What do I actually want?” at the top of a blank page.

It’s surprising how useful it is to keep asking the same question. Each time, my answer became more precise.

Once I knew what I wanted, I turned it into action steps.”

“The Process:

1) Decide what you want to achieve.

2) Try different ways of achieving it until you find one that works for you.

3) Do more of what works. Do less of what doesn’t.

4) Don’t stop doing it until it stops working.

5) Repeat.”

First, ask yourself what’s working: What about your daily work, your daily life, matters to you? Why are you doing it? What part of your life is a source of pride? What impact do you feel you’re having on people, ideas, or things that are important to you? Next, ask yourself what’s neutral: What are you spending your time on that you don’t particul

... See more

“Things that keep talented people from fulfilling their potential:

– Trying to please everyone

– Imitating the desires of others

– Chasing status without questioning why

– Playing superhero and trying to do it all alone

– Dividing your attention between too many projects”