Productivity tips from ChatGPT creator Sam Altman

Focus on results, not activities

The meteoric rise of ChatGPT and its creators OpenAI enabled millions to use AI for the first time. Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO, is the public face of OpenAI. In early November 2023, Sam addressed world leaders on the potential benefits and risks of AI. However, two weeks later, he was abruptly fired by OpenAI’s board. In response, over 95% of OpenAI’s employees threatened to resign unless Sam was reinstated. Within a week of his sacking, Sam was back at the helm and three of the four board members involved in his removal had gone. Many believed these events related to internal tensions in OpenAI relating to its commercial objectives and broader mission.

Sam Altman's productivity tips

Life is not a dress rehearsal. Make it count. Time is extremely limited and goes by fast. Do what makes you happy and fulfilled. Few people get remembered hundreds of years after they die anyway. - Sam Altman

Sam Altman is someone I greatly admire and have been following for the last ten years. Sam said, I think I am at least somewhat more productive than average and people sometimes ask me for productivity tips. Here is a summary of Sam Altman’s productivity tips:

What you work on

1. Focus on compound growth in your career

2. Choose the right things to work on

3. Develop strong beliefs and independent thought

4. Make time to think about what to work on

5. Work on things you care about and enjoy

6. Delegate effectively

7. Consider major job changes if you're consistently unhappy

8. Believe in your ability to learn and improve quickly

9. Surround yourself with smart, productive, positive people.

10. Be prepared to work both smart and hard for important goals

Prioritisation

1. Use lists to prioritise and focus (yearly, monthly, daily)

2. Generate momentum by starting and ending days with progress

3. Be ruthless about saying no to non-critical tasks

4. Minimise meetings and conferences, but leave room for new connections

5. Schedule meetings for 15-20 minutes or 2 hours, rarely 1 hour

6. Identify your most productive hours and protect them

7. Value your time appropriately

8. Focus on allocating your year optimally, not just your day

9. Experiment to find what works best for your body

10. Prioritise sleep - use a tracker and optimise your sleep environment

Physical aspects

1. Exercise regularly

2. Pay attention to nutrition - consider fasting and avoiding sugar

3. Find your optimal caffeine intake

4. Use supplements based on blood test results

Other factors

1. Create an ideal workspace with natural light, quiet and comfort

2. Type fast and us keyboard shortcuts

3. Expect and accept occasional periods of low motivation

4. Slightly overcommit to increase efficiency, but avoid extreme overcommitment

5. Don't neglect family, friends and activities you love

Other resources

The Future of AI interview with Sam Altman

My Top Five Startup Teachers post by Phil Martin

How to Join the New Rich post by Phil Martin

Sam Altman sums up his approach to productivity as, Work hard on stuff that matters. Don't work on stuff that doesn't matter. (Most people screw up the second part.)

Have fun.

Phil…

Sam Altman