If there is a single key to success, it is the trait of being able to make things happen in the world—willfulness, determination, execution focus, not giving up when you hit a roadblock, the ability to solve any problem that comes your way, and self-belief.
Almost everyone underestimates the value of fast movers, in almost every context. Work with them. Be one yourself.
Authentic, high-conviction vision is rare and valuable. Double down when you find it or find people who have it.
The most value comes from doing something no one else can do, or no one else has thought of, in a way that is hard for other people to copy. If you try to be just like everyone else, and do just what they’re doing, you will maybe do ok but certainly not great.
Follow your own curiosity, and start looking internally instead of externally for the answers. Be honest with yourself about the intersection of your skills, your passions, and what the world values.
The best way to have valuable ideas is to understand the entire landscape of a field and figure out what can emerge now that couldn’t before.
Set and maintain high standards. If you have to be hard on people, do it with love and a genuine wish for them to improve. Praise people when they hit the standard.
Try committing to one day per week (for me it only works on a weekend, but some people do it on Fridays) where you work in a long uninterrupted block to catch up on the previous week and prepare for the next.
Focus on what matters. Cut all the BS.
How To Be Successful
— Sam Altman (@sama) January 6, 2020
(At Your Career, Twitter Edition)