On July 7, 2015, I hit “publish” on a simple and short post about the power of saying no.
I had just quit my corporate job, owned nothing but a laptop, and figured I had exactly zero reputation to lose by thinking out loud on the internet.
Ten years, hundreds of articles, ten books, and millions of readers later, that single decision has paid the kind of compound interest no spreadsheet can capture. It taught me that mastery is less about talent and more about what you choose to do repeatedly.
A decade of doing one thing has burned certain truths into my muscle memory. Truths that matter whether you’re coding apps, raising kids, or trying to keep a side hustle alive after your 9-5.
What follows are the ten lessons that actually moved the needle for me. They’re simple enough to remember on your own journey. I hope this is helpful.
1. Pick a Career, Not a Job
This was advice that I read about for the first time ten years ago. And I decided to take it to heart.
The thing about a job is that you only have it to pay the bills. No matter how much you slice it and dice it, that’s what it comes down to. Sure, you might like your co-workers and being part of a group, but would you be there if you didn’t get paid?
When you set out to pick a career, something that you can do for the rest of your life, you force yourself to look at other factors than money.
In short, it comes down to meaning and value. What’s a career that will give you a sense of inner satisfaction but also aligns with your strengths? Something that you love doing and are also good at doing.
So pick a career, start at the bottom, and work yourself up. No matter how hard it gets, at least you’ll love the work.
2. Enjoy Small Things
Our lives are the sum of all the mundane, small things we do daily.
All those little things like having coffee, going for a walk, or simply writing a few words may feel boring at the moment. But the truth is, they make up 99% of your life. Not the big milestones you see on social media.
When you learn to truly appreciate the small moments, your daily grind turns into daily joy. Gratitude isn’t fluffy self-help; it’s practical. It makes your work better, your mood brighter, and your progress steady.
3. Focus on Building Reputation
When my dad and I started a business, I noticed how easily he got meetings. Everyone in the laundry industry knew him. Later, when I worked at the leading IT research firm Gartner, doors opened effortlessly. I just had to mention their name.
Reputation is leverage. It’s trust. It’s Warren Buffett versus social media grifters. Buffett built his reputation over decades. The scammers chase quick gains and burn trust immediately.
Building reputation takes patience and consistent quality work. But once you have it, it becomes your greatest asset.
4. Systems > Goals
Early on, I committed to publishing articles every Monday and Thursday. This simple system removed the need to constantly decide and plan.
Goals are great, but systems get you there. Goals alone can feel overwhelming, vague, or too distant. Systems are actionable, clear, and automatic.
Create simple routines. Automate decisions. Show up consistently. That’s how progress compounds.
5. Saying “No” Boosts Creativity
Early in your career, saying yes can be helpful because it gives you experiences. But if you want mastery, it’s about saying no more often.
Say no to distractions, to tasks that don’t move the needle, and to anything that doesn’t align with your main goal. Saying no creates focus. And focus drives creativity and progress.
The most creative and productive people know exactly what they don’t do.
6. Health Powers Everything
If your health collapses, nothing else matters.
Over the past decade, I’ve faced a few health challenges. And every time I did, my priorities became crystal clear. No amount of success, money, or followers can make up for bad health.
Prioritize your health relentlessly. But more importantly, appreciate it deeply when you’re well. Use your energy wisely, work hard when you can, and respect the body that keeps you moving.
7. Don’t Take Yourself So Seriously
We’re basically here trying to distract ourselves from wondering too much about life, death, and meaning. So, why take yourself so seriously?
Laugh at your mistakes. Shake off criticism. It’s fine if people don’t get you or mock you. They’re not thinking about you nearly as much as you think.
Be serious about your work, but never about yourself. Life’s short. Lighten up.
8. Money Follows Skills
Forget chasing money. Instead, chase skills.
Becoming obsessed with skills—getting really, undeniably good at something—is how you attract money. Not by looking at bank balances or dreaming about fancy stuff.
Money is simply a result. Get good, stay good, and keep improving. Everything else follows naturally.
9. Action Beats Perfection Every Time
You don’t need another book, course, or “perfect” moment. You need action.
Overthinking and perfectionism are enemies of progress. The best performers act first, then improve on the fly.
Don’t wait. Act. You’ll figure things out faster by doing rather than endlessly preparing. Imperfect action always beats perfect inaction.
10. There Is No Finish Line
If you’re looking for a clear finish line, you’re missing the point.
There’s always more to learn, another level to reach, another skill to refine. The absence of a finish line isn’t exhausting; it’s motivating.
A decade into doing one thing, and I feel I’m just warming up. The deeper you go, the better it gets. So keep moving. You’re never done, and that’s exactly why it matters
You’re never really finished. So whether it’s one year into something or 10, you’re just getting started.
