Here are some of the most important lessons I've learned.

Do what others won't

• doing the "boring" builds character and gives you time to think of how to improve the processes (eg automate or eliminate)
  • practice makes habit and habit makes perfect
  • athletes, musicians, actors and writers hone their skills … what about the rest of us?
• doing what you consider "beneath you" teaches you humility
  • if we're "above" others, luck is probably a huge factor

Keep improving and making improvements

In a word: kaizen

• the world's changing, so why aren't we?
• stay ahead by learning in areas that others shun
  • do you really know how to use the tools you use daily (e.g., Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Acrobat)
  • it's so easy to learn because of the Internet
• learn something meaningful each year

Study a fast-moving subworld

• some parts of the world move fast: computers, biotech
• observe what happens, think, and apply your insights to the worlds you are in

Coach and get coached

• coaches or mentors see us the way we can't … objectively
• coaching let's you payback with interest what you've learned … we're where we are because of others who took the time to help us

Begin with the end in mind

Without a goal, it's very easy to be overwhelmed by obstacles and go astray. Goals can be short term but the overall objective needs to be long term. What do you want to do with your life?

We're here for four purposes

• to live
• to love
• to learn
• to leave a legacy

These insights came from The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.

So start with the legacy you want to leave behind.