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Mindset

Overview

A growth mindset is fundamental to success in technology and leadership. This document captures key mindset principles and practices.

Core Principles

Growth Mindset

  • Abilities can be developed
  • Challenges are opportunities
  • Effort leads to mastery
  • Feedback accelerates learning

First Principles Thinking

  • Question assumptions
  • Break down to fundamentals
  • Build up from basics
  • Avoid reasoning by analogy

Systems Thinking

  • See interconnections
  • Understand feedback loops
  • Consider long-term effects
  • Optimize the whole

Daily Practices

Morning

  • Set intentions
  • Review priorities
  • Visualize success
  • Gratitude practice

Throughout Day

  • Deep work blocks
  • Regular breaks
  • Mindful transitions
  • Capture insights

Evening

  • Reflect on day
  • Celebrate wins
  • Learn from challenges
  • Plan tomorrow

Mental Models

Pareto Principle (80/20)

20% of efforts produce 80% of results.

Circle of Competence

Stay within areas of strength while expanding deliberately.

Inversion

Consider what could go wrong, then prevent it.

Second-Order Thinking

Consider consequences of consequences.

  • "Mindset" by Carol Dweck
  • "Thinking in Systems" by Donella Meadows
  • "Poor Charlie's Almanack" by Charles Munger

Last updated: January 2025