Okay not so great Scott Adams (Author of Dilbert) went a little off the deep end a little while ago.
I guess politics and other things just make people lose their minds and once they’re far gone, there’s no turning back.
Unless turning back is dragging them behind an old 7 Eleven and delivering 2x .45 ACP rounds to the skull…
Although as much as someone is an asshole. You can separate that from their art/knowledge.
So here’s 5 things he wrote/talked about and they do make sense. They will sound basic but often, it’s the basic that matters cause we like to chase fancy…
Goals suck. Use systems.
Goals are specific outcomes that often rely on luck and timing.
Where systems are repeatable processes that keep you improving and moving forward every day. Focus on daily habits, not distant trophies.
Strategically selfish.
Adams argues that taking care of your own health, energy and mental sate first, makes you more useful to others in the long run. We don’t need ego at there door. You want to go for sustainability.
Passion is overrated.
Passion often follows success. Not the other way around. Most successful people weren’t passionate about their field until they got good at it. Skill, not raw enthusiasm tends to win.
Maximise your energy. Not your schedule.
Managing time > managing your energy. When are you most productive? Take that time and that’s where you need to start your day. Make sure you sleep properly. Make sure your nutrition isn’t jumping off of the cliff. Don’t get me wrong. Eating 3 pop tarts and drinking a litre of coffee does sound good but it’s gonna ruin you in the long run. Don’t forget to exercise.
Failure is a necessary investment.
Every single failure carries knowledge and every attempt is a point of data.
He treats failure as normal, expected and beneficial. Provided you can extract a lesson and apply it forward…
IF YOU WANT TO READ HIS BOOK YOU CAN CLICK THIS OBNOXIOUSLY LONG LINK TO CHECK IT OUT
All of that said. Yeah he’s a bit of a dick and has said a lot of dumb shit but there’s a lot of wisdom in what he talks about.
It’s August now and I take it as my birthday month. So I’m still deciding if I’m going to hit you with one of those “X lessons I’ve learnt because I’m so old lol” posts/emails. I dunno.
I did manage to pickup some more books yesterday which I’m busy re-reading. So I’ll drop some info-nuggets here and there when I can.
Have a wicked weekend.
Go for a walk. Drink some water. Tell someone they’ve got a nice butt.
Stephen Walker.