Principles

In this post, I want to share some of the principles that guide my life and work. These are not rules, but rather guidelines that I try to follow in order to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. They are also not exhaustive, but rather a selection of the most important ones that I have found useful.

1. Build Smarter. Solve Faster.

Try hard in everything you do. Building smarter software, products, or even relationships will help you solve problems faster and more effectively.

2. Don’t skimp out on products that separate you and the ground.

Whether that’s shoes, tires, pillows, or mattresses. These things keep you safe and comfortable, while being used daily.

3. Invest most in things you use daily.

Identify the core items, products, and apps/software you actually use every single day. Invest in making sure using them is as frictionless as possible.

4. Trust the process.

Change doesn’t happen in a day. Keep at it every day, and you’ll see progress stacking up.

5. Never stop learning.

Our minds are the most powerful tool we have; use it! Try to learn something new every day.

6. Prioritize digital sovereignty.

Digital sovereignty is important to me. I try to use tools and platforms that respect my privacy and give me control over my data. I also try to support open source projects and communities that align with these values.

7. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity.

Failure is inevitable, but it’s also a valuable learning opportunity. I try to embrace failure and learn from it, rather than fearing it or avoiding it. This mindset has helped me grow and improve in both my personal and professional life.

8. Focus on impact, not just output.

I try to focus on the impact of my work, rather than just the output. This means thinking about how my work affects others and the world around me, rather than just trying to produce as much as possible. With AI, it’s easy to get caught up in generating content, but I try to remember that the goal is to create something meaningful and valuable, not just to produce a lot of words.

9. Cultivate curiosity and creativity.

I try to cultivate curiosity and creativity in my life. This means being open to new ideas, exploring different perspectives, and trying to think outside the box. I believe that curiosity and creativity are essential for personal growth and innovation, and I try to make time for activities that foster these qualities, such as reading, traveling, and experimenting with new hobbies.

10. If you can’t teach it to a 5 year old, you don’t understand it well enough.

This is a principle that I try to apply when learning new concepts or skills. If I can’t explain something in simple terms, it means I haven’t fully grasped it yet. This principle helps me identify gaps in my understanding and encourages me to break down complex ideas into more digestible pieces.

11. Walk with purpose.

In 8th grade business class, my teacher told us to “walk with purpose”. This stuck with me ever since. It means that you should always have a clear goal in mind and take deliberate steps towards achieving it. Whether it’s in your personal life or your career, walking with purpose can help you stay focused and motivated, and ultimately lead to greater success and fulfillment. I also took this advice literally and walk with a more confident and purposeful stride, which has surprisingly had a positive impact on my mindset and how others perceive me.

12. Be kind to yourself and others.

Kindness is a fundamental principle. It costs nothing to give, but can have a profound impact on others.