# 40 truths

A good watch of David Epstein's [40 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew in My 20s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cp5b3erQjk). Here are some that resonated with me.

**1.** Multitasking is impossible.  
**2.** Never start your day with email.  
**3.** Keep a notepad (for cognitive offloading).  
**4.** Your resume should be a story.  
**5.** Give yourself advice like you'd give to a friend. Solomon's Paradox.  
**6.** Overlap and stack average skills where you don't have to be the best at a skill.  
**7.** Your decks will never be clear — start in the mess.  
**8.** Don't borrow trouble. Stop ruminating about futures that may never arrive.  
**9.** Unfinished tasks will haunt you. Zeigarnik Effect.  
**16.** No one is paying as much attention to you as you think. The Spotlight Effect.  
**19.** Keep an eye out for new opportunities which aren't in your job description.  
**20.** Comparison is the thief of joy, which social media amplifies.  
**21.** Be a scientist of yourself. Track what gave/depleted your energy and do more of the former.  
**25.** Be a giver but have boundaries.  
**26.** Get the one most important thing done first.  
**28.** Grit comes easier if there is a better fit with your skills, interests, and environment.  
**30.** Learn from your critics.  
**31.** The last type of regret (self-pity; ignore; learn) is useful.  
**34.** Frugality is freedom.  
**35.** Track small wins. The Progress Principle.  
**37.** Be polite and on time.  
**39.** Decide on commitment.  
**40.** Cultivate fewer and deeper relationships.

Happy Hackin'!

### References

*   [40 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew in My 20s - David Epstein](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cp5b3erQjk)
    
*   [Solomon's Paradox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon%27s_paradox)
    
*   [Zeigarnik Effect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeigarnik_effect)
    
*   [Spotlight Effect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spotlight_effect)
    
*   [The Progress Principle](https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=40692)