How to Do Great Work

21 hours ago

Choose work you have a natural aptitude for and deep interest in.
Learn enough to reach the frontiers of knowledge in your field.
Notice gaps in knowledge and explore promising ones.
Follow your curiosity as it drives the entire process.
Work hard on excitingly ambitious projects without overplanning.
Be strict, willing to break conventional rules, and seek overlooked ideas.
Avoid affectation; be earnest and intellectually honest.
Maintain morale by staying optimistic, taking care of your health, and finding good colleagues.
Start small, iterate, and be prolific to increase chances of discovery.
Carry unanswered questions; they often lead to new discoveries.
Use the advantages of youth (energy, time, fresh eyes) and later advantages of age.
Don't let fear or modesty prevent you from trying to do great work.

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