Lecture by Oriel Yu

Introduction

• Lecturer: Oriel Yu
• Topic: Replicating complex images by breaking them down into simple steps

Main Concepts

Replicating Complex Images

• Replicating an image of Brad Pitt with just a pencil and paper
• Simple technique: Break down the image into gray squares
• Reference to Chuck Close: an artist using a similar technique

Key Message

• Success is not about possessing magical skills but about approach and decision-making
• Marginal improvements in decision-making can significantly impact results
• Example of Novak Djokovic:
  • Improved from ranking 680th to 1st
  • Incremental improvements in decision success rate led to major achievements

Personal Experience: Steven's Story

Elementary School to College

• Struggled with focus, resulting in being a consistent C, C- student.
• Made a change in junior year: broke down tasks into manageable steps
• Result: Straight-A student, Dean's List, President's Honor Roll

Professional Life

• Applied the same approach in career:
  • Exotic derivatives trader for Credit Suisse
  • Global Head of Currency Option Trading for Bank of America
  • Founded and managed award-winning hedge funds.
• Realized: Same approach should apply to personal life

Personal Life Applications

• Learned German by adjusting commuting time to language study
• Achieved various personal goals: auto racing license, flying a helicopter, rock climbing, skydiving, etc.
• Weight loss goal: Hike 33 trails instead of focusing on weight loss

Big Ambitious Goals

• 2009: Set a goal to read 50 books
• Incremental reading steps led to completing the goal
• 2012: 24 New Year’s resolutions:
  • 12 charitable giving resolutions
  • 12 learning resolutions
• Found a passion for yarnbombing: Wrapping structures with yarn
  • Wrapped six massive boulders with global contributions
  • Yarnbombed Children’s Hospital in Tucson
• Guinness World Record for the largest crocheted granny square after 2+ years of effort

Conclusion

• Success comes from big projects broken down into simple tasks and marginal improvements along the way.
• Aim to inspire others to pursue their ambitious dreams by adjusting their routines.