Lecture Notes: Three Rules with Guest Sam Coros

Introduction

• Host: Matella
• Guest: Sam Coros, CEO and co-founder of Levels
• Podcast: Three Rules
• Theme: Success and happiness through deliberate life and work choices

Rule 1: Don’t Let Urgency Determine Priority

• Problem with Urgency: People often prioritize urgent over important tasks, leading to a productivity trap.
• Example: Ignored a high-profile media deadline because it wasn’t aligned with current strategy.
• Solution: Implement practices like a quarterly 'think week' (inspired by Bill Gates) to focus on important tasks.
• Additional Strategy: Introduce friction in communication to assess the priority and commitment of others, e.g., prefer email over calls.

Rule 2: You Don’t Need to Know Everything

• Ownership of Attention: Focus on being the driver of your attention, not a passenger.
• News Sober: Sam has avoided news for 11 years, freeing attention for more relevant information.
• Media Diet: Prioritizes books, especially audiobooks, over news.
  • Aims to read two books a week, often at high speeds (3.5x).
  • Selects books based on recommendations and purchases physical copies if a book has significant impact.

Rule 3: Only Give Attention to Things You Can Control

• Focus on Influence: Shift attention from uncontrollable external events to controllable personal and local matters.
• Life Management: Advocates spending time on relationships and personal growth rather than external, uncontrollable issues.
• Personal Experience: Took a year off to reflect on life direction and focus on things within control.

Reflection and Personal Growth

• Reflection: Constant self-reflection through retreats or dedicated time for thought is essential.
• Adaptability: Life changes require new priorities, making reflection vital for alignment.

Conclusion

• Contact Information: Sam Coros on X at Sam Coros.
• Additional Resources: Visit Matella’s website for more rules and self-development resources.