YC
Sam Altman : How to Build the Future
@ Y Combinator
09/28/16
Takeaways
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
To have an impact, focus on the intersection of what you're good at, what you enjoy, and where you can create value for the world.
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
Finding your tribe is crucial; surround yourself with people who are doing great work in your field, even if it means relocating.
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Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
Helping others without expecting immediate benefits can lead to long-term opportunities and connections in your career.
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
Accomplishing big things requires a combination of focus, personal connections, and self-belief in the importance of your work.
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
In your 20s, working hard early in your career can lead to compounding benefits later on, so prioritize learning and networking.
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
Knowing when to give up on a project is challenging; most people quit too early, often before they see success.
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Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
The source of sustained motivation comes from enjoying your work and believing it matters, rather than seeking fame or money.
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
Burnout often results from a lack of momentum rather than overworking; working on things that are interesting and successful energizes you.
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
People often have a poor understanding of risk, especially early in their careers. They tend to underestimate the risks they should take and overestimate the risks of failure. Being young and unknown is actually a great opportunity to take risks without significant consequences.
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
Regret often comes from not taking action rather than from taking risks. If you believe in something, taking a calculated risk to pursue it is worthwhile, even if it means facing potential failure or criticism.
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
It's crucial to be a doer rather than just a talker in your career. Many people hesitate to commit fully to projects due to fear of failure, which can hinder their success. History favors those who take action.
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
Young people should not fear asking for what they want, even if they face rejection. Being aggressive in pursuing opportunities is an important trait for entrepreneurs.
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
Each crisis in business becomes less intimidating over time. As you navigate challenges, you learn that you can survive them, which builds resilience for future obstacles.
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
Time is one of the few remaining arbitrage opportunities in the market. Long-term commitments to investments or projects can yield significant value, especially in a world focused on short-term gains.
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
Having strong opinions about the future is valuable, but it's also important to remain flexible in your approach. Successful entrepreneurs balance conviction with adaptability in their strategies.
SA
Sam Altman
09/28/16
@ Y Combinator
It's essential to think deeply about where you can make the biggest impact in your career. Pursue what you are passionate about, learn as much as you can, and be willing to take risks to make a difference.