Secretary Powell’s 13 Rules

Their Powerful Meaning— Antifragile

Carlos Velásquez · Medium · 2 min read · Image Source: Wikipedia

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1. It ain’t as bad as you think! It will look better in the morning.

Takeaway: be easy on yourself; no single day/event will define you.

2. Get mad then get over it.

Takeaway: fight for what you believe, but do not hold grudges; reliving the past will only hold you back.

3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.

Takeaway: have strong opinions loosely held; readily admit when you are wrong and take corrective action.

4. It can be done.

Takeaway: believe in yourself.

5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.

Takeaway: be keenly aware that even good decisions can have unintended (negative) consequences.  

6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.

Takeaway: sometimes, we must make decisions based on incomplete information; cultivate a sound decision-making process for such circumstances.

7. You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.

Takeaway: leadership starts by leading yourself; leadership qualities are nurtured everytime you make hard decisions.

8. Check small things.

Takeaway: being detail-oriented signals to the world that your actions matter and that they are consequential.

9. Share credit.

Takeaway: acknowledge those that help you; success is rarely attained alone.

10. Remain calm. Be kind.

Takeaway: having self-control and showing mercy are absolute virtues.

11. Have a vision. Be demanding.

Takeaway: goal-setting requires discipline to see a goal through to completion.

12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.

Takeaway: success is found by ignoring unconstructive criticism — both internal and external — and by confronting your fears.

13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Takeaway: an optimistic demeanor makes you happier, more successful, and healthier.

Colin Powell was the 65th United States Secretary of State (and first African-American Secretary of State), a four-star general, statesman, and diplomat.

Colin L. Powell (1937–2021)

Author also wrote: N. Taleb’s Minority Rule | Your Inner Voice | Bitcoin’s Volatility | Blockchain Stocks |50 Investment Lessons | Flywheel Effect | Bitcoin: Mental Framework | Crypto Moonshots | 4 Crypto Stocks | Bitcoin: Insurance | Brief History: Money | Spontaneous Order | Ackman’s $2.6B Moonshot | Fragility Inducing Events | Antifragile: Definition | 1% Bitcoin: 99% Cash | COVID-19: Market

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