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

Seek Simplicity

<ul><li>Write down the end goal.</li><li>Divide the goal into specific actions you need to take to get there. Think in terms of systems: focussed, routine actions that you can do daily.</li><li>List all your tasks and rank them according to effort and impact. This makes prioritizing tasks easier.</li><li>Do the highest priority task using focused, distraction-free blocks of time.</li><li>Keep repeating this until you achieve your goal</li></ul>

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."

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

Connect the dots

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

Mastering the Message

<ul>
<li>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. 
</li>
<li>Consider the relationship between cause and effect in every decision you make, and how each choice impacts the next one.
</li>
<li>Slow down, and consider all options. </li>
<li>Observe what’s around you, evaluate choices and act with awareness.</li>
</ul>

Live in the Future

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

Find and do what you Love

<ul><li>When a request comes to you in person, pause and count to three before delivering your decision. </li><li>Explain that you are focused on other things right now but would love to get together when you can.</li><li>Request that you will check your calendar and get back to them. This will give you time to pause and assess your priorities. </li><li>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.</li><li>Let your bosses know that doing the assigned task will mean less priority to the other tasks.</li><li>Clarify exactly what you are willing to do and what you aren't willing.</li><li>Suggest Someone else who might help the person in a better way.</li></ul>

Saying NO: Steve Jobs style

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

Focus on the essentials of your life

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

Think different

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

Delegate tasks 

In less than 40 years in business, Jobs revolutionized 6 different industries. He was obviously a smarter than average individual with enormous creativity, ambition, and drive. But I believe that us mere mortals can incorporate some of Steve Jobs success secrets into our lives.

Focus on the essentials of your life

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Focus on the essentials

MAXWELL MALTZ

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