The best people in both groups spend a lot of time reflecting on some version of the Hamming question—”what are the most important problems in your field, and why aren’t you working on them?”
They have a bias towards action and trying things, and they’re clear-eyed and honest about what is working and what isn’t.
They are frequently very driven by genuine curiosity.
Researchers and Foundersby Sam Altman
This article by Sam Altman highlights a mindset and approach toward problem-solving and personal growth:
- Having the desire to solve significant problems helps maintain focus.
- A tendency to take action and experiment leads to continuous discovery, fulfilling your true curiosity.
- Experiencing failure is not detrimental; instead, it’s considered another form of discovery that further stimulates your curiosity.
Together, these attitudes create a positive feedback loop that makes the journey towards achieving your goals enjoyable and fulfilling.
