1. Have a good people environment. Ask yourself when was the last time you knew being stupid at something — the shorter time the better. Name as many motivated people you encountered recently. The higher number indicates the better environment you are in.
2. Abduct and constrain yourself to do something absolutely needs to get done.
3. Cut larger goals to smaller steps. Only the right skill to challenge ratio can make work enjoyable in the long run.
4. Have constant and uncertain feedback. Knowing the outcome of your work is very motivating and corrective. Moreover, uncertain feedback is the reason why fewer people change from working at start-up to working for a 9–6 job, and not vice versa.
5. Hard work doesn’t always pay-off; especially not without a good decision in the first place.
