Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Lessons from the Last Lecture

Randy Pausch gave this moving last lecture. It is a must watch.



Some lessons I captured from this lecture:
  • Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you wanted.
  • We cannot change the cards we are dealt with. Just how we play the hand.
  • Have something to bring to the table. That will make you more welcome.
  • You've got to get the fundamentals down. Otherwise, the fancy stuff won't work.
  • When you see yourself doing something badly, and no one is bothering to correct you anymore, that's a very bad place to be. That means, people have given up on you.
  • Brick walls: They are there for a reason. They are not there to keep you out. They are there to see how badly you want something.
  • Wait long enough and people will surprise/impress you. Give people time to show their good side.
  • It is very important to know that you are in a pissing match. And, it is very important to get out of it as soon as possible.
  • Never ever underestimate the importance of having fun.
  • Work and play well with people.
  • If you live your life the right way, your dreams will come true.
  • If you are going to do anything pioneering you will get arrows in the back, and you just have to put up with it.
  • You just have to decide if you are going to be a Tigger or an Eeyore.
  • Loyalty is a two way street.
  • You can't get there alone. People have to help you. I do believe in karma and paybacks. You get people to hepl you by telling the truth.
  • I'll take an earnest person over a hip person every day, because hip is short term and earnest is long term.
  • Apologize when you screw up and focus on other people.
  • Say you are sorry that you screwed up.
  • Say that it is your fault.
  • Ask how you can correct it.
  • Don’t complain. Just work harder.
  • Be good at something. That makes you valuable.
  • Be prepared. Luck is truly where preparation meets opportunity.