6 essential lessons for a productive career (Daniel Pink)

1. There is no plan
    Make decisions for fundamental, not instrumental reasons. 


2. Think strengths, not weaknesses.
    What do you do consistently well? What gives you energy rather than drains you? 


3. It's not about you.
    The most successful people improve their own lives by improving others' lives. 


4. Persistence trumps talent.
    There are massive returns to doggedness. 


5. Make excellent mistakes.
    Commit errors from which the benefits of what you've learned exceed the costs of the screw-up.


6. Leave an imprint.
    Recognize that your life isn't infinite and that you should use your limited time here to do      something that matters.