Anup Chouhan's Key Ideas from Smarter Faster Better
by Charles Duhigg

How to Apply It: If you work with others, create an environment where everyone feels heard.

Ask for feedback, share your ideas openly, and encourage others to do the same.

This can be as simple as being open to suggestions in meetings or praising someone’s input, making the team more innovative and productive.

How to Apply It: When you’re working on something, take regular breaks to step back and see the bigger picture.

For instance, if you’re deep in a project, take a few minutes to think about how it fits into your long-term goals.

This keeps you from getting stuck in a narrow focus and helps you think more creatively.

How to Apply It: Set clear, realistic goals (like finishing a project in a week) but also challenge yourself with bigger, long-term goals (like aiming for a promotion or running a marathon).

Use SMART goals for daily tasks and stretch goals to push your limits. This combination keeps you on track while inspiring you to do more.

How to Apply It: Instead of just reading or listening to information, engage with it actively.

For example, if you’re learning something new, try creating diagrams or teaching the concept to a friend. This active engagement helps the information stick and boosts your learning.

How to Apply It: When making decisions, think about all possible outcomes and how likely they are.

For instance, if you’re deciding between two job offers, consider not just the obvious pros and cons but also how likely you are to enjoy each role.

This helps you make smarter, more informed decisions.

How to Apply It: Look for ways to combine existing ideas in creative ways.

If you’re working on a project, try mixing ideas from different fields or hobbies you have.

For example, if you’re a photographer, consider how technology trends might affect your art.

Innovation often comes from blending old ideas in new ways.

How to Apply It: If you manage a team or work in a group, give people more freedom to make decisions.

Encourage experimentation by testing small changes before making bigger decisions.

This creates a more flexible environment and speeds up problem-solving, helping you reach solutions faster.

How to Apply It: Focus on what matters most in your day. Use techniques like setting specific times for different tasks (like deep work for 90 minutes), or use a to-do list to manage distractions.

This ensures your attention stays on high-priority tasks instead of getting sidetracked by small, less important things.

How to Apply It: Create stories in your mind to make sense of your life and decisions.

When you face a challenge, think of it as part of your personal story. How you overcame it and what you learned.

This helps you remember important lessons and gives you clarity when making decisions in the future.

If you found this post valuable, your support on Ko-fi | Buy Me a Coffee would make a huge difference. 🙌

Every contribution helps me keep creating meaningful content. 💫

• Your support means the world to me! When you like and comment, it not only motivates me but also tells me that you’re enjoying the content.
• Every like and comment encourages me to create even better posts just for you.
• Plus, when you engage you’re helping others discover content they’ll love, too! So, if you find value here, hit that like button and drop a comment. Let’s grow and learn together.