16 Assertions

I found these in a VoodooPad document I wrote a long time ago, in which I was thinking about startups. I'm not sure whether they're all true or not, and they're in no particular order (even though they're number).
  1. Being too busy is not good. Having some buffer time increases quality, responsiveness, creativity, endurance, and enjoyment.
  2. At any given time, focus on as few things as possible.
  3. Always start simply.
  4. There are always more opportunties and ideas.
  5. Business can be fun because it's a competition, and winning is fun. And, even better, it can make a difference to people and the world, and also because it can bring you security and nice things.
  6. Good people want to kick ass. Join forces with good people and let them.
  7. Take the long view.
  8. You know what to do next. You don't have to know what do to after next, because you will when you get there.
  9. Think big.
  10. There are few things more important than where you put your attention.
  11. Measure. Machines are better than humans at knowing what is really going on inside machines and can even be helpful in figuring out what's going on inside humans. Make them tell you and make better decisions.
  12. Pretty much everything is about user experience.
  13. A better work environment leads to a better customer envionment (product). A better work experience leads to a better customer experience.
  14. Making money is good. Even when you don't have to.
  15. Make it easier to do the right thing than the wrong thing. (Reduce the sin gap*.)
  16. Things that make for healthy people often lead to healthy companies: balance, good communication, breathing, grooming.

* I stole this phrase from Miko.