194: The Benefits of Self-Managed Teams

Self-managed teams for value delivery and the pursuit of happiness in the modern world

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Unrelated: True Happiness Is About Living Your Truth

One must not praise, and one must not rebuke. Anyone can be happy from this moment onward. Anyone can be satisfied from this moment onwards. This is an undeniable fact, not magic or anything of the sort. You, and everyone else, can take steps toward happiness. But happiness is not something one can enjoy by staying where one is.

One has to keep walking along the path one has embarked on. Philosophy is more of a living attitude than a field of study. "You are not living to please other people's expectations." And further, "Other people are not living to please your expectations." Don't be afraid of who might be watching; ignore other people's judgment, and don't seek recognition from others. Choose the path that is best for you and that you believe in. There are two objectives for behavior: To be self-reliant and To live in harmony with society. 

Respect means the concern that the other person should grow and unfold as they are. Then, on being taken by another person "as one is," one is likely to gain an act of great courage. And respect may also be regarded as the starting point of encouragement. "Respect means the concern that the other person should grow and unfold as [they are]." Without negating anything or forcing anything, one accepts and values the person as they are.

Many people believe that their possessions or income determines their self-worth. Yet, once our basic needs are met, pursuing wealth can bring less and less satisfaction. Additionally, prioritizing wealth and success above deeper values can lead to a shallow existence. While wealth is a part of life, it alone cannot bring true happiness. Focusing on superficial pleasures can also lead to problems like addiction or obesity. Research demonstrates that we often hold mistaken beliefs. It is only sometimes possible to be correct, and striving for such perfection can be frustrating. Admitting mistakes is necessary for growth and learning. It's essential to recognize that life can be challenging, and trying to remain positive may not solve problems. To stand for something, we must make choices and accept or reject things that align or contradict our values. Considering our mortality can help us keep our priorities and values in perspective, letting us let go of trivial concerns. We are responsible for our actions, and acknowledging this responsibility is essential.

Happiness is not a mere occurrence that happens by chance or good fortune. It cannot be purchased with money or commanded by power. Instead, it is a state of being that depends on our interpretation of events rather than external factors. Whether we are happy is a prolonged state and not a temporary mood. We are a generation with more information than any other in history but further from the correct answers than any before. The only worthwhile comparison is YOU yesterday vs YOU today.

If you want to be happy, you have to focus on that. Unfollow fake, negative, and uninspiring influencers, and follow honest, authentic, and positive creators. If a person could do only one simple thing to increase their health and happiness, then expressing gratitude must be it. Live following your inside world, and you'll soon find happiness. 

Off Topic: Surrounding Yourself with Art

Once you've decided what to make, how should you make it? If you do all your work, avoid the computer for a while and incorporate an analog component. In contrast, working on a computer makes it easier to censor your ideas before you can explore them. Try only to use a computer when you get to the editing stage of a creative project. Masters use intuition, which springs from intense rational focus, to guide their reasoning. Consciousness has always been meant to connect us to reality; the ultimate distinction is between ourselves and the world.

Mastery is not based on genius or talent; it requires time and intense focus on a particular field of knowledge. Connecting with your environment is the brain's most primitive and powerful form of mastery. It's essential to look beyond what's immediately in front of you and think ahead. Knowledge isn't about genetics or luck; it's about pursuing your natural inclinations and following your deep desire.

Make sharing a habit, a daily one. A practical way to do this is to post on social media platforms like Instagram, Substack, or Youtube daily. Try out new platforms as they emerge—if you find something that works for you, stick with it. Whatever platform you use, please make time to do it daily. Regular posts generate a steady stream of content for people to see, which creates more opportunities for people to connect with you.

As an artist, it's essential to recognize the impact that other artists can have on your creativity. This will help set the tone and inspire your creative work. So, being surrounded by things that bore or depress you can harm your career.

Current Work: The Benefits of Self-Managed Teams

The default assumption is that you can do anything unless a specific policy or agreement prohibits it. We're starting from a position of trust. More freedom leads to more learning, and more understanding leads to better performance. By focusing on execution, we limit the system's growth potential. By making ourselves indispensable, we make our teams and organizations less resilient. Once a decision has been made, it should be shared along with the rationale and perspectives that shaped it so that others can learn too. Consensus is impossible at scale and needs to reflect how adaptive systems work. Recognize that freedom and autonomy feed motivation. Create an environment where it is safe to try and fail, and teams will learn and grow in extraordinary ways.

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