Global Moxie
http://globalmoxie.com/blog/stefan-sagmeister.shtmlStefan Sagmeister’s List of “Things I Have Learned”
For anyone working to craft a happy and creative existence (and who isn’t?), this seems like a good list to crib from.
I just watched a charming 15-minute talk by designer Stefan Sagmeister (probably best known for his album cover designs), who along the way shared a list from his diary of “things I have learned in my life so far.”
Me, I’ve only learned a few of these lessons so far. Still working on the rest. But for anyone working to craft a happy and creative existence (and who isn’t?), this seems like a good list to crib from:
- Complaining is silly. Either act or forget.
- Thinking life will be better in the future is stupid, I have to live now.
- Being not truthful works against me.
- Helping other people helps me.
- Organizing a charity group is surprisingly easy.
- Everything I do always comes back to me.
- Drugs feel great in the beginning and become a drag later on.
- Over time I get used to everything and start taking it for granted.
- Money does not make me happy.
- Traveling alone is helpful for a new perspective on life.
- Assuming is stifling.
- Keeping a diary supports my personal development.
- Trying to look good limits my life.
- Worrying solves nothing.
- Material luxuries are best enjoyed in small doeses.
- Having guts always works out for me.
The designer has incorporated some of his list into a series titled “Things I have learned in my life so far.” It’s a literal example of incorporating your worldview into your work, nice. Some examples:
- “Complaining is silly. Either act or forget” (a Lisbon billboard whose text fades away)
- “Being not truthful works against me” (an interactive installation)
- “Trying to look good limits my life” (series of billboards)
My wife Ellen had the chance to work oh-so-briefly with Stefan as a client about 10 years ago back in New York. Bright guy, this one.