What Richard Branson taught me
What Richard Branson taught me
Remove the obstacle thinking
In 1984, Richard Branson was stuck at an airport in Puerto Rico. He was trying to get to the British Virgin Islands to meet his girlfriend, but all flights were full. Instead of giving up, he chartered a private plane and offered to sell seats on it to other stranded passengers. Richard quickly sold out and the proceeds paid for the flight. This was the genesis of Virgin Airlines. This illustrates Richard's remove the obstacle thinking, willingness to take risks and ability to make things happen.
Learn by doing
Richard Branson is dyslexic and struggled at school. Despite this, he achieved amazing success. As someone who also struggled at school, I find his advice inspiring.
What humanity has collectively learned so far would make up a tiny mark within a circle. Everything we all have to learn in the future would take up the rest of the space. It is a big universe and we are all learning more about it every day. If you aren’t listening, you are missing out.
My MBA tutor explained that the purpose of learning is to be able to ask more interesting questions. Show Me Your Bad Ideas is my reminder that good things come from practice.
Start making suggestions for how to improve your workplace. Don’t be a shrinking violet, quietly getting your job done adequately. Be bold and the sky is the limit.
I develop 10 Ideas Per Day which helps my creativity and ability to tackle complex problems. This helps my Creative Momentum.
When most people think about taking a risk they associate it with negative connotations, when really they should view is as a positive opportunity. Believe in yourself and back yourself to come out on top. Whether that means studying a course to enable a change of direction, taking up an entry-level position on a career ladder you want to be a part of, or starting a business - you’ll never know if you don’t give it a try.
We no longer need to wait to be picked to do something we are passionate about, e.g. sing, write or develop apps. We can Pick Ourselves. For me, this is a liberating insight.
It can be easy to find reasons not to do something. However, you might be surprised by how much help is at hand if you put yourself out there and commit to a project. It doesn’t have to be the case of struggling along by yourself.
I committed to writing this weekly blog which now runs to some 100 posts. I get inspiring feedback from readers every week. I am also set on developing fun and useful apps, the main subject of this A Bit Gamey blog.
There is no such thing as a boring person: everyone has stories and insights worth sharing. While on the road, we let our phones or laptops take up our attention. By doing that, we miss out on the chance to learn and absorb ideas and inspiration from an unexpected source: our fellow travellers.
When I started my first job after university, I became friends with a cleaner. Her life was so different to mine and I found her inspiring. Despite poverty, relationship breakdowns and cancer, she told amazing stories (mostly true). I sent her a postcard from my honeymoon in Hong Kong which I signed off as your Graduate Toy-boy.
Age isn’t important so long as you are surrounded by people you love, doing things you passionately believe in.
I don’t perceive myself as ageing, except when I catch my mirror reflection. I have more ideas, enthusiasm and ambition than ever before.
Remember it's OK to be yourself.
Richard believes we should be true to ourselves, even if it means being different. Uniqueness is Our Power.
Other resources
Richard Branson’s 5 Rules of Success by Simplilearn
Branding Ourselves post by Phil Martin
How to do Great Work post by Phil Martin
Author Seth Godin reasoned that he could do most of what Richard Branson does. That is, except for roughly 5 minutes per day, when Richard comes up with ideas which translate into huge value. His real job is spotting great opportunities then acting on them. That’s a rare ability. As Richard says, many people have good ideas, but few act upon them.
Have fun.
Phil…
