The Principles Path
Lessons Learned from My Entrepreneurial Journey
The end of the year is traditionally a time for reflection, while the beginning brings new goals and aspirations. Inspired by Ray Dalio's approach to [principles], I started developing a systematic way to strengthen my journey by learning from both successes and failures.
I began this documentation process sometime before my son Lorenzo's birth, creating a catalog of fundamental rules and guidelines—principles that I've developed throughout my life and career to make better decisions and continuously improve. I've created a framework for better decision-making by categorizing past mistakes and documenting what worked.
The catalyst for documenting these principles was the birth of my son Lorenzo. Beyond personal improvement, I wanted to leave him something meaningful—an intellectual legacy of hard-earned lessons that might guide him one day. While these principles were initially collected for him, I believe they could prove valuable to others on their journeys.
I've refined and added to these principles during this year's retrospective. While they were initially personal notes, I've decided to share them publicly. I hope they prove valuable to others just starting their journey or finding a similar path. Whether you're building a business, developing your career, or seeking personal growth, these hard-earned lessons might help you avoid some of my pitfalls.
1. Realistic Expectations
When evaluating an activity, it's necessary to look at objective data and face problems realistically without unjustifiably expecting or hoping for external help.
2. Work Only on Ideas You Believe In
It's essential to work only on ideas you strongly believe in, as this will help overcome difficult moments and enable greater involvement from others.
3. Do Instead of Search
Define specific moments in the day for research and specific moments for action. Don't allow these moments to interchange; ensure that action is the predominant element.
4. Don't Let Fear Hold You Back
Don't stop to think about what others will think or how you'll appear if you make this decision. Do what you think is right to achieve a specific goal.
5. Do Instead of Appear
When deciding whether to participate in an event, evaluate the actual value it can generate. Otherwise, it's better to avoid wasting time and use that time to become a protagonist.
6. Exposure is the Foundation of Sales
Don't think about reputation or the past. Just pursue the objective with the necessary actions.
7. Money Matters
Focus primarily on high-leverage activities that directly impact financial growth. Prioritize tasks that generate the most significant returns and avoid getting distracted by low-impact activities, no matter how interesting they might seem.
8. Start from You
Success begins with understanding your strengths and limitations. Recognize your boundaries honestly, then decide whether to develop missing skills yourself or bring in external expertise. This self-awareness is fundamental for effective growth.
9. You Are Alone
As a founder, understand that you are fundamentally alone in your journey. No one else shares your complete vision or bears the same responsibility. While others can offer advice, ultimate decisions and their consequences rest solely on your shoulders.
10. Start Right Away
Don't wait for the perfect moment - take immediate action on opportunities and ideas when they arise.
11. Curiosity as Engine
Let curiosity drive continuous learning and exploration of new possibilities and opportunities.
12. Create More Opportunity to Have Fortune
Actively create multiple pathways for success by expanding your network, pursuing various initiatives, and maintaining visibility in your industry. The more opportunities you create, the higher the likelihood of encountering favorable circumstances.
13. Constant Practice, Driven by Passion
Exceptional results come only through consistent, deliberate practice. This level of dedication is sustainable only when fueled by genuine passion - it's the passion that enables the thousands of hours needed for mastery.
14. Love, Focus, Meticulous Care
Approach your work with obsessive attention to detail and deep focus.
15. Invest in the Future
Focus on building long-term assets rather than chasing immediate revenue. Creating sustainable systems, developing intellectual property, and building strong foundations take time but generate exponential returns compared to quick gains.
16. Take Risks
Embrace calculated risks as they're essential for extraordinary growth. Playing it safe leads to average results - breakthrough success requires stepping into uncertainty with courage and challenging established norms.
17. Results Are More Important Than Being Right
Act promptly and decisively to protect your investment and guide results toward success, even if it means facing conflicts or resistance. Truth and reality matter more than being right.
18. Dedicate Time to Activities Important for Your Goals
Prioritize and allocate time specifically to activities that directly contribute to achieving your primary objectives.
[Original version: https://www.guidofrascadore.it/principles]