Of Tools of Titans Part III

1.   Systems v Goals”

What the book says about systems v goals is fascinating.

“This involves choosing projects and habits that, even if they result in “failures” in the eyes of the outside world, give you transferable skills. In other words, you choose options that allow you to inevitably succeed” over time, as you build assets that carry over to subsequent projects”.

2.   “Specialising” and how to be really successful

The book states that capitalism rewards things that are both rare and valuable. You make yourself rare by combining two or more “pretty goods” until no-one else has your mix. At least one of the skills in your mix should involve communication either written or verbal.

According to the theory it doesn’t make sense to be really good at one thing and to aim to be a gold medal Olympic skier. The chances are you’ll be good but 9^th in the world 23^rd or 48^th. But become very good at three skills weave them together and you’ll be unique in the market place.

3.   Impostor Syndrome

Amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic. Don’t be afraid to do what you’re not qualified to do.

This reminded me of when the Archbishop of Canterbury was interviewed for Desert Island Discs. He had been a bishop for no more than a year before being appointed to Archbishop. He said on the first day in my new post I felt such an impostor. When asked how he felt two years later he replied “Still an impostor!”

4.   Not accepting the norm

The biggest mistake you can make is to accept the norms of your time”. Not accepting norms is where you innovate, whether it’s with technology, with books, with anything. So, not accepting the norm is the secret to really big success and changing the world.”

5.   Compassion

“No matter what the situation may be, the right course of action is always compassion and love” I love this. It's hard to do but such good advice.