clips of logic

As someone who is rather shy when it comes to talking to strangers, asking for help can be quite an unpleasant experience. Often, I choose to just skip asking for help and attempt to solve whatever issue I have by myself.

In trying to not look stupid, I did probably the most stupid thing you can ever do when you need help. Not asking for it. Think of the time and effort I could have saved if I opened my mouth and ask.

Most people are willing to offer their knowledge and expertise if you ask nicely. We inherently love to share things with others. Those that don’t are often shunned and avoided. It’s okay if someone refuse to help you. You just need to ask someone else.

The most important about getting help from others is that you get to learn from their experience. There’s no reason to make the same mistake by yourself to learn from it. You can learn by asking too.

You want to learn from experience, but you want to learn from other people’s experience when you can. – Warren Buffet

Obviously, you can’t rely on others all the time. At the end of the day, you still have to do the hard part yourself. But it can make things easier and it doesn’t hurt to ask. Just remember to show your gratitude and offer help to those who need them.

I finally got my hands on an iPad thanks to John. After using it for a while, I figured I’ll let you guys know what I think about it.

1. The form factor is awesome. The screen size is just big enough to enjoy reading, movies and games. Coupled with a touchscreen interface, you have an easy and fun to use device.
2. It’s all about the applications. Like the iPhone and iPod Touch, the App Store is the most important feature. Thousands and thousands of applications at your finger tips. Also, the new iPad specific apps like Mail and Calendar is so much better than those in the iPhone.
3. Great for travelling. If you are looking for a device to keep you connected and entertained, this is it. It might not have all the functionality of a laptop, but you can get most things done on it. And it will probably do it better too, as long as you aren’t trying to access something on a thumb drive.
4. Useful for presentations and demo. As a web developer, I can see this being used as a device to present keynotes and live demonstration of web applications. Apple released Keynote on the iPad (their Powerpoint competitor) that allows to not only view but create presentations directly on the iPad.
5. Needs to lose some weight. I find the iPad a little too heavy to hold for long periods of time. The 3G version could be even heavier. Most of the time, you’ll want to rest it on the table or some other surface. A cover that can tilt the iPad is a must.
6. Getting stuff into the iPad isn’t easy. You’ll need to either sync through iTunes or use applications like GoodReader to transfer files to your iPad. And hopefully the reader can open it. Another way is to use Dropbox and sync files between multiple computers. The reader in Dropbox crashes often though.

Overall, it’s a great device that can only gets better as more and more applications are developed for it. It’s definitely not for everyone but if you are planning to get one, try it out first before taking the jump.

This is one of my favourite essay in the book REWORK. Many people thought that only entrepreneurs get to create and start something. The rest that doesn’t have the qualifications, the resources, the talent or the risk appetite wont be able to make it.

Illustration for the essay "Enough with entrepreneurs" from REWORK. Illustration by Mike Rohde.

The thing is, you don’t have to be identified as an entrepreneur to start a profitable company or create a remarkable product. All you need to is to start doing it. Start executing the idea you have since you were a kid.

So let’s replace the fancy-sounding word with something a bit more down-to-earth. Instead of entrepreneurs, let’s just call them starters. Anyone who creates a new business is a starter. You don’t need an MBA, a certificate, a fancy suit, a briefcase, or an above-average tolerance for risk. You just need an idea, a touch of confidence, and a push to get started. – Excerpt from “Enough with entrepreneurs” from REWORK

Everyone should be encourage to start something on their own. You might not have all the “prerequisite” skills yet but you just need the most important one. The ability to start something. The ability of a starter.

Best list to follow if you want to get things done. I’ve included them below and don’t forget to thank Seth for this.

The number of people you need to ask for permission keeps going down:

1. Go, make something happen.
2. Do work you’re proud of.
3. Treat people with respect.
4. Make big promises and keep them.
5. Ship it out the door.

When in doubt, see #1.

Do you have the urge to find out more about something new you learned about? The curiosity to know how and why things work. The drive to learn more about the world which we all once possess as kids.

With power of Google and the vast amount of information found on Wikipedia, it’s never been easier to satisfy your thirst for knowledge. You can even learn stuff they teach in school online through the Khan Academy.

As I’ve said before, everyone needs googling skills and there’s no excuse to not learn something new everyday. The web is the best teacher you’ll ever have since you can control the pace and the topic of your study.

The best way to secure your future is to invest in increasing your own personal value. Turn your thirst for knowledge into your motivation for a brighter tomorrow.