Exceptional Work Framework
Do great work
The Exceptional Work Framework is about doing exceptionally good work to achieve superlinear returns. It involves choosing work that suits your circumstances, developing a habit of working on your own projects, and taking risks to get to the frontiers of knowledge. The framework emphasizes the importance of being interested in the work, having a natural aptitude for it, and being honest with oneself.
- Choose work that you have a natural aptitude for and a deep interest in.
- Develop a habit of working on your own projects to get to the frontiers of knowledge.
- Take risks and be honest with yourself to achieve exceptional results.
- Choose Your WorkChoose work that you have a natural aptitude for and a deep interest in. This will help you to develop a habit of working on your own projects and getting to the frontiers of knowledge.Pro tipConsider your strengths and weaknesses when choosing your work.WarningDon't choose work that you're not interested in, as it will lead to burnout.
- Develop a Habit of Working on Your Own ProjectsDevelop a habit of working on your own projects to get to the frontiers of knowledge. This will help you to take risks and be honest with yourself.Pro tipStart with small projects and gradually move to bigger ones.WarningDon't be afraid to fail, as it's an essential part of the learning process.
- Take RisksTake risks to get to the frontiers of knowledge. This will help you to achieve exceptional results and get superlinear returns.Pro tipTake calculated risks and be prepared for the consequences.WarningDon't take risks that are not aligned with your goals and values.
Newton's discoveries were arguably greater than all his contemporaries' combined. This is an example of superlinear returns in science.
In the startup world, taking risks and doing things that don't scale can lead to exponential growth and superlinear returns.
The framework is based on the idea that superlinear returns are available to those who do exceptionally good work. The author argues that this is because the reward curve rises steeply at the far end, making it worth taking extraordinary measures to get there.