Ignore the real world
The real world is an excuse. A justification for not trying
Learn from your successes
Planning is guessing
Build off what works
Start referring to all of your plans as guesses. That is what they are since most of them are out of your control. It takes a lot of pressure off
You have to be able to improvise, not be driven by the past, pick up opportunities as they come along. Sometimes you need to say we are going in a new direction because that is what makes sense today
You have the most information while you are doing something
Figure out the next most important thing you need to do and do that
Grow slow and do what feels right
Workaholics aren't the heroes. The heroes are already home because they figured out a faster way to get something done
Go make a dent in the universe
What you do is your legacy
If you are going to do something, do something that matters
Scratch your own itch. Solve your own problem
Solving your own problem allows you to fall in love with your product
What you do is what matters
Starting is the most important step
When you want something bad enough, you make the time, regardless of other obligations
It is entirely your responsibility to make your dreams come true
The time will never be perfect
When you get going, keep in mind why you do what you do
Great companies have a point of view. Not just a product
Your point of view will turn some people off. That is life
If no one is upset by what you are saying, you probably aren't pushing hard enough
When you don't know what you stand for, decisions are hard. When you do, decisions are easy
You give up control when you accept outsider money
Just focus on what you are building
You need less than you think
Great companies start in garages all the time
Start a business, not a startup
You need a commitment strategy, not an exit strategy
It's easier to change your mind when you have less mass
Get creative. You'll be amazed what you can make with so little
Build half a product, not a half assed product
Ignore the details early on
Use a sharpie to draw out new ideas. Then you can only worry about the main things, not the details
Commit to making decisions. Decide and move forward
What can we easily do right now that is good enough?
If you make a mistake, you can correctly it later
Constantly look for things you can remove, simplify, and streamline
Do less
You don't need the best tools and equipment to be good or to get started
Sell your byproducts
Launch now
Start making something real. Anything else is a distraction
Questions to ask yourself to make sure you are doing work that matters: Why are you doing this? What is it for? Who benefits? What problem are you solving? Is this actually useful? Are you adding value? Is what you are working on actually adding value for customers? Will this change behavior? Is there an easier way? What could you be doing instead? Is it really worth it? Is it worth spending your time, money, and energy on?
Interruption is the enemy of productivity
Good enough is fine
Judo solution: get the most out of doing the least
You can usually turn good enough into great later
Momentum fuels motivation
If you aren't motivated by what you are doing, it won't be any good
Small victories lead to enthusiasm and good news
Ask yourself, 'what can we do in two weeks?' and then do it
The quicker it is in the hands of customers, the better off you'll be
Creativity is one of the first things to go when you forgo sleep. Go to sleep
When you are tired, you lose the ability to tackle the big problems
Make smaller to-do lists
Breakdown big projects into smaller tasks
Make decisions small enough that you can change your mind and go in a different direction
Don't copy. It skips understanding, and understanding is how you grow
Be influenced, but don't steal
Make you part of what you sell
Pick a fight. If you think a competitor sucks, say it
Simplify and solve the simple problems
When you spend time worrying about someone else, you can't spend that time improving yourself
Highlight that your service does less
Redefine the rules. Don't just make something a little bit better
Say 'no' by default. You will avoid a lot of long term regret by refusing things you don't prioritize to start
Allow customers to grow out of your product
Scaring away new customers is worse than losing old customers
Take risks when a lot of people don't know about you
Build an audience
Out teach your competition
Share everything you know. Give people a backstage pass and show them how your business works. People want to know how and why people make decisions. They will develop a deeper respect of how and what you do. Show people your imperfections
Marketing is everything you do
Nobody cares about you
Own your bad news. If something bad happens, tell your customers. An 'I' apology is more powerful than a 'We' apology
You don't create a culture. It happens. Culture is the byproduct of consistent behavior. Culture is action, not words
Decisions are temporary. Optimize for now and worry about the future later
People are waiting to do great work, they just need to be given the chance
Failing to trust employees is expensive
If you want to get something done, ask the busiest person you know
Don't create policies. Just address an issues personally
Sound like you. Don't be afraid to be you. Talk about making money and being honest. Use simple talk. to be read. Forget rules. Communicate. Write like you are talking to one person. Think about one person when you are writing
Don't use: need, must, can't, just, only, fast, easy, or ASAP