Focus on what matters

“Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do. It’s true for companies, and it’s true for products."

• Find out if the problem really exists, and why. This will open a path to alternative ways of solving it.
• Some problems, which seem complex, often have simple solutions.
• What is the surest thing in that complex problem? That becomes your First Principle, your starting point.
• List out the possible solutions
• Focus on one good solution while removing the rest.

• When a request comes to you in person, pause and count to three before delivering your decision.
• Explain that you are focused on other things right now but would love to get together when you can.
• Request that you will check your calendar and get back to them. This will give you time to pause and assess your priorities.
• Use Vacation responders even on days when you are at work, letting the emailers know that you are busy for a few hours doing focussed work.
• Let your bosses know that doing the assigned task will mean less priority to the other tasks.
• Clarify exactly what you are willing to do and what you aren't willing.
• Suggest Someone else who might help the person in a better way.

• Take a step back before starting. Do you like doing something or do you just like the idea of it being done?
• Share your progress and test the responses and feedback.
• A fresh approach and new niche increase the chances of success in your venture.

• Don't waste time on non-essential and trivial things.
• Simply quit worrying about what other people think, and focus on your goal.

When preparing and giving presentations:

• Have a catchy phrase that resonates among all.
• Get into a story-telling mode, as a good story captivates the audience.
• Focus on three key points and no more. This is the ideal number that people can retain in their memories.
• Use lots of pictures, clear fonts, and a few, impactful words.
• Practice a lot, so that your presentation comes across as natural.

• See problems from different angles, forming associations, and links.
• Shake things up, change random things, and you may get new ideas.
• Practice every day to form new associations and connections.

• Delegate to the right person, providing clear instructions.
• Define outcomes and goalposts.
• Ask for Clarification and questions.
• Have the task explained back to you, to minimize miscommunication.

• Keep learning: Read a book while you are idle, and you can finish 50 books a year.
• Make a 'To Learn' list, like a new language, or skill.
• Try to be with intellectual friends.
• Teach: teaching forces you to look at a concept with a beginner’s mind, providing the clarity and insight you lacked.
• Unlearn: Unlearning is as crucial as new learning, as the mind stays agile and fresh.

• The more your knowledge, the better you can predict, plan ahead and respond to problems. Educate yourself and leverage that knowledge towards an optimal result.

• Consider the relationship between cause and effect in every decision you make, and how each choice impacts the next one.

• Slow down, and consider all options.
• Observe what’s around you, evaluate choices and act with awareness.