on building

• There are (generally) two kinds of people - compounders and scatterplotters. Before you start anything of your own and especially before entering a partnership, know which of the two you are.

• Your life stage plays a big role in what kind of project you’ll succeed in. If you’re 19, you might not be ready to build the next Google. There’s no shame in wanting to hack away on a dozen projects this early on in your life.

• Your life stage, then, also plays a pivotal role in who you choose to build with. Partnerships where 2+ people/co-founders are not in the same "life stage" can hurt.

• The most ambitious people - and people you should work with - understand that, although nothing truly matters in the grand scheme of things, there is beauty in creating something that matters in this lifetime.

  
  

on learning

• If your brain doesn’t hurt at least once a week, you’re not challenging yourself enough. Being a beginner is a good thing.

• Being competent/comfortable isn’t an excuse to stop adopting new skills. You are replaceable. The world is changing. Qualifications don’t mean anything unless they’re backed by ability

• Libraries are and have always been a beautiful thing. Open source knowledge without even the need for internet. Somewhere out there, someone who has the most incredible drive knows this and is using it to their advantage. Are you?

  
  

on life

• You can respect someone you don't like, but you can't like someone you don't respect.

• The outcome and value derived from a split-second decision vs a months-long decision can end up the exact same.

• Beware of excessive complaints, gossip, and brain-rotting conversation, especially repeatedly. Mental real estate is priceless. You know who you need to let go of.

• Forgiveness is agency. Holding a grudge means they’ve won - they are indirectly controlling your emotions and turning you negative. You may not have control over the situation but you have control over your emotions/response. Choose to let go and move on. (inspired by Ali) (UPDATE 05/28: forgiveness =! forgetting and there are always caveats!)