The happiest and most successful people I know don't just love what they do, they're obsessed with solving an important problem, something that matters to them.

When you’re in school, every little mistake is a permanent crack in your windshield. But in the real world, if you’re not swerving around and hitting the guard rails every now and then, you’re not going fast enough. Your biggest risk isn’t failing; it’s getting too comfortable.

You can’t focus on what everyone else is doing — it has to be about what’s really broken and what you can do to fix it.

Software touches all of these different things you use, and tech companies are revolutionizing all different areas of the world...from how we shop to how farming works, all these things that aren't technical are being turned upside down by software. So being able to play in that universe really makes a difference.

I actually don't think it matters how early or late you are as long as you hit critical mass.

Even if it doesn't work out, the experience is so valuable to so many employers that your worst case scenario is, 'Ok, so that was a bust, I'll get a six-figure job at whatever company.' Risk is this outmoded idea - your parents might not understand that, but taking these types of risks doesn't have a downside.

The hardest-working people don't work hard because they're disciplined. They work hard because working on an exciting problem is fun.