The two skills of modern business: Storytelling and spreadsheets. Know the numbers. Craft the narrative. - James Clear

Before you begin, think as if you are a lazy person. Imagine the competition will work harder. Your only chance is a better strategy.

After you begin, work as if you are a dumb person. Imagine the competition is smarter and more talented. Your only chance is to outwork them.

A principle for writing, investing, and life in general:

It is much easier to notice when something is working than to predict ahead of time if it will work.

Take action, make many small bets, and run lots of quick (but thoughtful) experiments. Then, double-down on the winners.

Maximum motivation occurs when facing a challenge of just manageable difficulty. In psychology research this is known as the Yerkes–Dodson law, which describes the optimal level of arousal as the midpoint between boredom and anxiety.