The creative person basically has two kinds of jobs: One is the sexy, creative kind. Second is the kind that pays the bills. Sometimes the task at hand covers both bases, but not often.

Go find very early versions of things: the first TV pilot of a later-successful TV show; early audition tapes by famous actors; early demos by famous musicians. Focus on these early examples, not what they became over the next 20 years. Remember that what you're doing will constantly improve.

If you really care about starting a movement, have the courage to follow and show others how to follow. And when you find a lone nut doing something great, have the guts to be the first one to stand up and join in.

Learning. It's really the primary reason behind everything I do. Programming, entrepreneuring, writing.

The most important lesson is probably to spend less than you earn.

In the end, it's about what you want to be, not what you want to have.

It's only a little difficult to say no. You've got to believe that the work you're doing is ultimately more useful to the world.