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43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

Personal Mantras: Got one?

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:

  • sub-projects
  • small-sized teams
  • modest, achievable goals
  • granular tasks, TODOs, and, yes, “next actions”
  • fast deadlines
  • frequent, but very short, check-in meetings
  • understanding how one piece leads to the next
  • making it hard to fail

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.)

TOPICS: Inspirado, Tips
grubi's picture

I know it sounds clichéd,...

I know it sounds clichéd, but I prefer:

Be like water.

and

Simplify.

I also created this one:

If what you want cannot be achieved, alter what it is you want.

Adaptability is key. As is simplification.

 
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