A manifesto for the future? — 2014 Edition
A little over a year ago, and incidentally my first post here on Medium, I wrote a few guiding thoughts on work/life that I’ve come to live by. They still serve as little signposts when I am unsure as to what direction to take in any given situation.
I’ve also just turned 31 so after reading Julie Zhuo’s frighteningly accurate post on what being 30 actually means, I felt compelled to update my manifesto…
…the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering
experience… — Baz Luhrmann, Everybody’s free (to wear suncreen)
11. Your parents are the most important thing in your life. Not your job. Not your number of followers on Twitter. Not your high score on Angry Birds.
While your family will grow, with your children, nephews & nieces — your time with your parents is finite. Spend as much of it with them as you can.
12. When it comes to problem solving, on any scale you choose, three heads are better than 2.
Whilst you may not always agree in the first instance, and the debate may at times be ‘heated’, the decision you reach will be the right one. Be it for your personal or professional life, consult with your closest confidantes on the important decisions.
Yes, too many cooks can indeed spoil the broth, but we’re not making broth.
13. Superstitions are like your smartest colleagues & closest friends. They keep you on your toes. They make you think twice, question yourself before you send that email. They pump you up. Calm you down. Embrace them.
14. Holidays replenish your ‘mojo’. You don’t need to take weeks out of the office, a long weekend or even an early finish is just as good.
“I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life’.”
— Maya Angelou
15. The past is exactly that.
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” — J.F.K.
16. Never forget your roots. The people who were there on the way up, those that remained by your side on the way down and those who were still there on the way back up.
Building a company is like riding a roller coaster — be prepared for the highs as well as the lows.
Surround yourself with people who will celebrate your [amazing] wins as well as console you on your [devastating] setbacks. Know that there is nothing in between.
17. Read more.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” — Dr. Seuss
18. Listen more.
“There is a difference between listening and waiting for your turn to speak.” — Simon Sinek
19. Talk less.
“I never miss a good chance to shut up.” — James Patterson
20. & Remember:
“Some people are so far behind in the race that they actually believe they’re leading.” — Corrado Soprano
The fun tip. Wear sunscreen.
For more ramblings of the 140 character type, you can follow me on Twitter @AndrewEccles.
