David Hieatt founded the clothing company howies. He is now integral to the wonderful Do Lectures that begin today.
Here are some of the things the last decade has taught him:
- If we can’t do the basics amazingly well, nothing else will matter.
- Be brave with your ideas. And fight like a brave to make them happen.
- Try stuff. Make mistakes. This is how we learn.
- Treat average as the enemy.
- Have fun. Life is over in the blink of an eye. Ask my dad.
- Give something back. Your time.
- Stay hungry. Wanting to improve is a never ending journey.
Have a look at his full list below:
What would you add to his list? What do you disagree with? Vent thyself in the comments section…
Get mad and make stuff!
Work Hard and Canoe Home too!
What a super list!
Eat good food.
Never go running – it hurts.
Read good books.
Listen to opera very loudly and every day you are sad.
That’s what I would advice.
My favorite is #2 : Be brave with your ideas. And fight like a brave to make them happen.
There are so many nay-sayers out in the world who fight like hell to keep the status quo. Being brave and having confidence in your ideas is the only way to make things happen. And learning to accept failure with grace. If you’re not failing now and then, you’re not trying hard enough.
When choosing someone to join up with …choose personality over fitness or skill (both of which can be acquired / learned). Attitude is everything :-)
Graham,
You would be interested in this poll I ran on the site about important character traits on expeditions: https://alastairhumphreys.com/2009/12/poll-vital-character-traits-expeditions/
These are things that Maya Angelou -an American poet – learned over her life. This list I love…
“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Hi Jim,
I didn’t know of Maya Angelou so thanks very much for sharing this poem.
Al