Merlin’s weekly podcast with Dan Benjamin. We talk about creativity, independence, and making things you love.
Merlin’s weekly podcast with Dan Benjamin. We talk about creativity, independence, and making things you love.
”What’s 43 Folders?”
43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.
Personal Mantras: Got one?
Merlin Mann | Jun 6 2005
Personal Mantras - 43FoldersWiki I’ve been digging the personal mantras that people have been adding to the wiki. It’s interesting to see the different approaches and interests people have been taking; for some it’s an affirmation, for others it’s a motto or creed, and for many it appears to be a persistent reminder about the right thing to do. My mantra—if you can call it that—is “Smaller, smaller.” It’s a principle more practical than spiritual, I suppose. I say it to myself several times a day to try and always remember that small things are easier to do than big things, and that most big things are really just a pile of small things if you break them up right. In real-world terms, “Smaller, smaller” means:
There’s been very few times that “Smaller, smaller” has done me wrong. No matter how ambitious a project, idea, or problem is, there’s usually a way to break into very small pieces. Anyhow, that’s mine. Got a personal mantra or motto of your own? Why’d you choose the one you did? (And, no, “I believe I’ll have another beer” probably doesn’t count.) 98 Comments
POSTED IN:
Big picture: Live life with...Submitted by Ian Cheung (not verified) on June 7, 2005 - 5:13am.
Big picture: Live life with passion, do what you love, love what you do. I believe if I can stick to this, I will make a positive difference before I leave the face of the planet. It doesn't mean that you select a easy, fun, effortless job but it does mean that you believe in what you are doing. Small picture: Even a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Which is also the same as "get started" or "make a start however small" but it reminds me the reason to get started is to complete the whole thing. I also like Kevin Kennedy-Spaien's "Constant incremental improvement". I've believed this ever since I saw the effect in Intel's CPUs. From the 8088 to the latest Pentium D chips, they've been improving bit by bit. Heck even Apple has realised that :D (In case you're wondering, No, my web site isn't one of those pyramid schemes) » POSTED IN:
|
|
EXPLORE 43Folders | THE GOOD STUFF |