400 leading creatives + 18 visionary speakers + New York City = Lots of wisdom on creativity and productivity. Each point is expounded further here. I’ve left out the blatantly unbiblical points, including two with bad language.

  1. Without the doing, the dreaming is useless.
  2. There will always be another idea that looks better than the one you’re working on.
  3. Don’t let your high expectations hold you back.
  4. The answer will only arrive after we stop looking for it.
  5. Grit, the stubborn refusal to quit, is the single best predictor of success.
  6. Creative greatness is the result of an ensemble.
  7. Find your unique superpower.
  8. Create an environment where people can be their best selves.
  9. Keep a work diary because you’re busy.
  10. Celebrate your small wins.
  11. We’re most productive when we’re doing meaningful work.
  12. You need to earn every single user who visits your site.
  13. Always say “Yes, and…”
  14. Be positive, be real, and act confidently what you are
  15. Diversity isn’t just nice – it’s necessary.
  16. Don’t found “the next big thing,” found “the next big culture.”
  17. Perfection is not overrated – quality matters.
  18. Trust the data, even if it surprises you.
  19. Forge ahead: invent your own research process.
  20. Transparency and vulnerability always wins.
  21. It’s not the first impression that counts. It’s the second, third, fourth, and fifth impression.
  22. Listen to your customers to transform your business.
  23. Hire slow, fire fast.
  24. Do your “One Thing” better than anyone else.
  25. At the core of any exciting project is a difficult problem.
  26. You must ship (preferably within a year).
  27. If you’re not having doubt, you’re not pushing hard enough.
  28. Frustration is where my creativity comes from.
  29. Think of your work as a gift.
  30. Just ask! Ask for more time, more creativity, more money.
  31. Fall in love with building the capacity of people.
  32. Propose ideas without polish.
  33. Don’t surrender strategy to execution.