I’ve collected a handful of ideas, principles, and theories through the years that have served me well. These gems have provided valuable insight in many situations, whether simply providing an interesting idea to ponder or a principle that’s changed the way I view the world.

The Stockdale​ Paradox is one of my favorite mindsets. It’s composed of two parts:

1) You must maintain unwavering faith that you can and will prevail in the end-regardless of difficulties. 2) Have the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality.

The story alone behind this mindset inspires me. However, it also serves as an important reminder that your mindset affects your physical state.

It’s worth noting that this mindset provides significant value to business owners. When you’re running a company and hurtles come your way Stockdale Paradox can be a firm guide. Additionally, if you’re entrepreneurially minded this should be your bread and butter.

6 Degrees of Separation is the idea that all living things are six or fewer steps away from each other. A chain of “a friend of a friend” can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of six steps. The more I think about this idea the more reasonable it seems, while simultaneously blowing my mind.

“When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses not zebras.” Dr. Theodore Woodward, professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, coined this phrase. It’s speaking specifically to arriving at a complicated diagnosis when a more commonplace explanation is more likely. To me, this saying serves as an important reminder to avoid elaborate speculation or overthinking.

The liar truth-teller brain teaser. Although I hope I’m never put in a situation like this, I appreciate the reminder of the power of logical reasoning. Instead of making an irrational choice you can deduce the answer through a sound logical progression.

In case you were wondering, the answer to the brain teaser is “what would the other guy say is the correct door to open?”

There are many more interesting ideas I could add to this list but I’ll keep it short for the time being.