Start Now. Get Perfect Later.

1. Start Now, Get Perfect Later: Embrace Imperfection

Start now. Get perfect later. Just do it. End of book.

Perfection is a myth. The pursuit of perfection often leads to procrastination and paralysis. Instead, embrace the idea of "starting now and getting perfect later." This mindset encourages action and allows for continuous improvement along the way.

Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction. It's more valuable to take imperfect action and learn from the experience than to wait for the "perfect" moment, which may never arrive. This approach allows you to gain momentum and build confidence. Examples include:

• Launching a product with a minimum viable product (MVP)
• Writing a first draft without editing
• Starting a business before having all the details figured out

Embrace the journey. Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate small wins and learn from mistakes. This mindset fosters resilience and encourages continuous growth.

2. Decisiveness: The Spark That Ignites Action

Decisiveness is the spark that ignites action. The courageous facing of issues, knowing that if they are not faced, problems will remain forever unanswered.

Decisiveness is a skill. It can be developed and strengthened over time. It involves making decisions quickly and effectively, even in the face of uncertainty. Decisiveness is not about being reckless, but about having the courage to act.

Decisiveness is a leadership trait. It inspires confidence and motivates others to take action. Indecisiveness, on the other hand, can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities. Examples include:

• Making quick decisions in a crisis
• Taking calculated risks to seize opportunities
• Clearly communicating decisions to others

Overcome analysis paralysis. Don't get bogged down in overthinking. Gather enough information to make an informed decision, then act. Remember, it's better to make a decision and adjust course later than to remain stuck in indecision.

3. Overcome Procrastination: Unearth the Hidden Fears

Procrastination and indecisiveness are normal human traits that serve to help us avoid fear, pain and threatening situations.

Procrastination is a self-protection mechanism. It's often rooted in fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of the unknown. Understanding the underlying cause of procrastination is the first step to overcoming it.

Identify your fears. What are you afraid of? What's the worst that could happen? By confronting your fears head-on, you can diminish their power and take control of your actions. Examples include:

• Fear of failure: Reframe failure as a learning opportunity
• Fear of judgment: Remember that other people's opinions don't define you
• Fear of the unknown: Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps

Break the cycle. Once you've identified your fears, develop strategies to overcome them. This might involve seeking support from others, practicing self-compassion, or challenging negative thoughts.

4. Time Management: It's About Life, Not Just Minutes

You can’t manage time. It’s a delusion.

Time is a finite resource. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. The key is to manage our energy, focus, and priorities, not the clock itself. This involves making conscious choices about how we spend our time and aligning our actions with our values.

Prioritize your life. Identify your "rocks" – the most important things in your life, such as family, health, and personal growth. Schedule time for these activities first, then fill in the remaining time with less critical tasks. Examples include:

• Scheduling family dinners
• Blocking out time for exercise
• Setting aside time for personal reflection

Eliminate time wasters. Identify activities that drain your energy and provide little value. Minimize or eliminate these activities to free up time for more meaningful pursuits.

5. The Power of Routine: Design Your Ideal Day

Routine = Results

Routines create structure and predictability. They reduce decision fatigue and free up mental energy for more important tasks. A well-designed routine can help you stay focused, productive, and balanced.

Design your ideal day. Consider your energy levels, priorities, and values when creating your routine. Schedule your most important tasks for times when you're most alert and focused. Examples include:

• Morning routine: Exercise, meditation, and planning
• Work routine: Focused work blocks, breaks, and meetings
• Evening routine: Relaxation, reflection, and preparation for sleep

Be flexible and adaptable. Life happens. Don't be afraid to adjust your routine as needed to accommodate unexpected events or changing priorities. The key is to maintain a general structure while remaining open to flexibility.

6. Leverage & Outsource: Free Yourself to Grow

If you want something done…Do. Not. Do. It. Yourself

Leverage is the key to scaling. It involves using other people's time, resources, and expertise to achieve your goals. This allows you to focus on your strengths and delegate tasks that are better suited to others.

Identify tasks to outsource. What tasks do you dislike? What tasks are you not good at? What tasks can be done more efficiently by someone else? Examples include:

• Administrative tasks
• Social media management
• Bookkeeping
• Customer service

Build a team. Surround yourself with talented individuals who complement your skills and share your vision. Delegate tasks effectively and empower your team to take ownership.

7. Intuition & Information: A Balanced Approach

The balancing of intuition and information is the dance between research and action.

Intuition is valuable, but not always reliable. It's based on past experiences and can be a powerful guide, but it's important to balance it with objective information. Don't rely solely on your gut feeling.

Gather information strategically. Do your research, but don't get bogged down in analysis paralysis. Aim for 75% of the information you need, then make a decision and act. Examples include:

• Reading reviews before buying a product
• Consulting with experts before making a major investment
• Conducting market research before launching a new business

Trust your instincts, but verify. Use information to validate or challenge your intuition. This approach allows you to make more informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

8. De-Risk the Downside: Protect Your Potential

If you don’t risk anything, you risk everything.

Risk is inherent in life. But it can be managed. Don't be afraid to take calculated risks, but always protect the downside. This involves minimizing potential losses and maximizing potential gains.

Strategies for de-risking:

• Start small: Test new ideas with minimal investment
• Diversify: Don't put all your eggs in one basket
• Insure: Protect yourself against unforeseen events
• Negotiate: Secure favorable terms and conditions

Know the difference between risk and gambling. Risk is a calculated decision based on research and analysis. Gambling is a blind bet based on emotion and hope.

9. The Inner Bas-tard: Manage Your Emotions

To manage your emotions well is to master your life.

Emotions can cloud judgment. They can lead to impulsive decisions and regrettable actions. It's important to develop strategies for managing your emotions and making rational choices.

Strategies for managing emotions:

• Observe: Take a step back and observe your emotions without judgment
• Understand: Identify the underlying cause of your emotions
• Control: Develop techniques for managing your reactions
• Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or coach

Don't suppress your emotions. Acknowledge and validate your feelings, but don't let them control your behavior. Find healthy ways to express your emotions, such as exercise, journaling, or creative pursuits.

10. Vision & Values: Your Compass for Decisions

If it’s important enough to you, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.

Vision and values provide clarity. They serve as a compass, guiding your decisions and actions. When faced with a difficult choice, ask yourself: Does this align with my vision? Does this honor my values?

Define your vision. What do you want to achieve in your life? What kind of person do you want to be? Your vision should be ambitious, inspiring, and aligned with your values.

Identify your values. What's most important to you? Family? Freedom? Creativity? Authenticity? Your values should guide your decisions and actions.

11. Problem Solvers Rule: Embrace the Challenge

Problem solvers rule the world.

Problems are opportunities. They're chances to learn, grow, and create value. Embrace challenges and approach them with a positive mindset.

Develop problem-solving skills. Learn to identify the root cause of problems, brainstorm solutions, and implement effective strategies. This involves critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

Focus on solutions, not problems. Don't dwell on the negative aspects of a situation. Instead, focus on finding solutions and taking action. This mindset fosters resilience and encourages progress.

Last updated: March 7, 2025