#1 8 TH E B EAUT Y OF B RE VI T Y If you can say it in 2 minutes, not 20; write in in 300 words not 3000, or 1 page not 20: do it. If it fits on the back of a postage stamp, even better.
#19 CHAN G E YOU R SCEN ERY Burning the midnight oil trying to come up with that idea for your presentation? Trying to devise that wow strap-line for your website? Writing that application letter for your dream job? And where do too many of us attempt these tasks? At the office, our desks at home, in meeting rooms. Inspiration strikes when we’re not actually in ‘work’ mode so try changing your scenery. To a coffee shop, a train carriage, the beach, a park bench. And watch ideas flow.
#2 0 IG N ORE AN YON E WHO S AYS ‘N O ’ T O YOU R D R E A M When he was at school, Ian’s dream was to work in broadcasting. His headmaster told him to forget that idea: it was too competitive. Ian ignored him. 6 months later he was presenting the gig guide on local radio, 18 months later he was studying for a media degree, 6 years later he was back at the school running a workshop on careers in the media, MD of a media business. Why do people in authority think they are right? Ignore ‘em.