I love helping to bring people together because I know we all learn from each other’s mistakes as well as successes. So when I watched Jason Fried speek at the Business Innovation Factory (BIF) 4 Conference last week I was inspired by what he had to say.
In short he compared how chef’s have no fear of showing people how to cook the food they love to cook to the way companies fear sharing their information. It was interesting and thought provoking because so many people in the business world want to keep their work a secret, filing patent’s and lawsuits day after day. But what Jason says throws all the rules out the window, and it really hit home for me where I agree that we should loosen up and open up our ideas, our visions, our best-practices and share with everyone how to do what we do. Because when we do something well we shouldn’t be afraid of sharing that with others in fear that they might do it better than us. That’s nonsense.
Here is a short summary of the things I’ve learned so far and don’t mind sharing with you:
- Disappointments make you stronger in the end
- Forgiveness always wins over a grudge
- Brush your teeth before bed
- Always pack an extra pair of socks
- Listen to your spouse
- Knowing God doesn’t happen just one day a week
- Keep a record of your important contacts on paper
- Learn the shortcut keys in photoshop
- Dwelling on the past hinders your future
- Always, always, always return phone calls, emails, tweets, or other forms of contact
Now it’s your turn. I would like to hear what you have to share from the lessons you’ve learned in life, design and faith. Then I will compile the results I get over the next few weeks and put them in one large post, similar to what I did on my “Branded Designers” post. Also, if you’d like to include a link back to yourself please include your website and/or your twitter name.
Share everything you know and don’t be afraid.
Thanks everyone.
7 Comments
Already worked out my list! Mine are a little more serious (and longer!) than the ones you listed, though you have some sound advice. Heh, in this digital age it really is important to keep a paper backup of important info, just in case the computer, iPhone or Palm dies. Painful lesson to learn.
I’m eager to read what everyone has to say. I wonder how many of us will give the same advice.
Great concept Kyle… If we don’t give it away how will others learn… if someone else didn’t give it away how would we have learned?
here are five things that I have learned in the work place, and can be applied to working independently as well. (I have actually had to do each one of these today) I will try to post 5 more once I get home from work.
1) No matter how frustrating/end of the world/impossible it gets… stay cool.. It will probably be just fine.
2) Take ownership, if you aren’t sure… ask, if you don’t understand… ask
3) Communicate!
4) Don’t worry about what others do… get it done and do it right, don’t allow others to help you fail.
5) Always remain teachable even if you feel like you already know something.
Again great idea for a post Kyle
1. Be happy. Seek out happiness before anything else.
2. Be afraid, and face life anyways. You’ll enjoy it more.
3. Listen. Be quiet, don’t judge, simply absorb.
4. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
(I could spend all day thinking of these things.)
5. Spend all day thinking about things you need to share.
Great post Kyle! Sharing also fosters innovation instead of stifling it.
1. Never underestimate people.
2. Always speak up.
3. Do good and it will return to you.
4. Live your own life and not the one other would like you to.
Just my 2 cents.
Karma…believe in it.
1.Always keep time for the important things in life
2. two things guaranteed while we are here (on earth); death and taxes
I do like all of the others Ive read so far, but they’re my two personal advice/statements/lessons ive learnt to live by.
1. Never abondon truth.
2. Seek truth outside yourself. Your “inner light” is defective.
3. Read books.
4. Read old books.
5. New books stink.
6. Work like you know the good guys will win.
7. Happiness is overrated. Try contentment. It might just make you happy.
8. Avoid charging by the hour whenever possible.
9. Listen to Zeldman.
10. Start a family.