Don't Trust Advice from People Who Have No Skin in the Game
Weigh advice by how much the advisor stands to lose if they're wrong.
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Self-awareness
Flip the Perspective: What Would You Tell a Friend in This Situation?
The advice you'd give a friend in your situation is probably the right advice for you.
10
Notice When You're Rationalizing vs. Actually Reasoning
If you already know the conclusion before examining the evidence, you are rationalizing, not reasoning.
22
It's Harder to Think Clearly About Things You Care About
Emotional investment bends your thinking — you need the most clarity precisely where it is hardest to achieve.
8
Ask What Would Change Your Mind
Every honest belief has a condition for revision — if nothing could change your mind, it is dogma.
9
Be Suspicious of Thoughts That Make You Feel Superior
When a thought mainly makes you feel superior, it may be serving your ego more than your understanding.
11
"I Disagree" and "I Don't Understand" Feel the Same but Aren't
Before debating, make sure you truly understand the other position — disagreement and confusion feel alike.
15
If You Can't Explain It Simply, You May Not Understand It Yet
The real test of understanding is the ability to explain something simply.
8
Good Thinking Often Feels Like Discomfort
When you feel resistance to an idea, that is often where the real thinking begins.
6
Your Identity Shouldn't Be Attached to Your Beliefs
Hold beliefs loosely — when ideas become identity, honest thinking becomes impossible.
9
Before Starting, Imagine This Already Failed — Then Ask Why
Assume the project has already failed and work backwards to find the blind spots optimism hides.
20
Ask What Problem This Solution Creates
Every solution creates new problems — the key is identifying the trade-offs before you commit.
8
The Mark of a Good Thinker Is How Often They Say "I Don't Know"
Intellectual humility opens the door to real learning — pretending to know closes it.
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What You Choose Not to Do Is Also a Decision
Inaction is a choice too — every yes carries a hidden no, and every no carries a hidden yes.
9
Use the Outside View Before the Inside View
Check how similar projects went for others before trusting your own estimate.
23
Do Not Take a Counteroffer Without Asking Why It Took Your Resignation
A counteroffer treats the symptom, not the cause — the reasons you wanted to leave usually remain.
5
Separate Observation from Interpretation
Most conflicts start when we treat interpretations as facts — learn to notice the gap.
8
One Example Is Not a Pattern
A single vivid story is not enough to establish a pattern — don't generalize from one case.
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