- Opportunity Engagement: "Opportunities are grains of sand. They slide right past drooping fingers, but an active palm can gather whatever is within reach and shape it into a little castle. It is the act of engaging with the material that gives it shape." Embrace opportunities with active involvement and creativity.
- Defining Goals: "The rules: (1) know precisely what you want, (2) determine the cost of what it will take to get it, (3) don't bargain over the price." Clear goal-setting and understanding the cost are essential for achieving your objectives without unnecessary compromises.
- Creative Process: "The secret of creative work is to make a lot and publish a little. Don't underestimate the power of giving yourself permission to create junk. Most of what you create will be mediocre or bad. But that's okay. You only have to show people the good stuff. Make 100 things, discard 90, and share the 10 best. Create, create, create. Edit, edit, edit."
- Soren Kierkegaard on Walking: "Above all, do not lose your desire to walk: every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness; I have walked myself into my best thoughts... Health and salvation can be found only in motion... if one just keeps on walking, everything will be all right."
- Daniel Kahneman on Optimism: "If you are allowed one wish for your child, seriously consider wishing him or her optimism. Optimists are normally cheerful and happy, resilient, and have better health and longer lives. They are the inventors, entrepreneurs, and leaders who shape our world."