We don't become mediocre all at once, and we rarely do it on purpose.

Instead of focusing on arguing with people who say no, it might be easier to get near the people who like to say yes.

Taking delight in the journey takes confidence. It pushes the envelope of design.

My new favorite word is 'awkward.'...Th e reason we need to be in search of awkward is that awkward is the barrier between us and excellence, between where we are and the remarkable. If it were easy, everyone would have done it already, and it wouldn't be worth the effort.

The thing is, the future happens. Every single day, like it or not. Sure, tomorrow is risky, frightening and in some way represents one step closer to the end. But it also brings with it the possibility of better and the chance to do something that matters.

Just about every great, brave or beautiful thing in our culture was created by someone who didn't do it for money.

Marketing yourself to a new person often involves being charismatic, clever and quick-but most jobs and most relationships are about being consistent, persistent and brave.