Jeff Bezos: Secrets to Success

Jeff Bezos gave an interview

Chooisng the Right Partner

Here Jeff is talking about his wife Mackenzie.

I wanted someone who could get me out of a third-world prison

I like this one, and I don't think it even applies to a partner. I think just surrounding yourself with smart, motivated, self-sustaining people does a lot for how you look at the world around you.

Avoid Multitasking

I don't like to multi-task. If I'm reading my email I want to be reading my email

I get where he's coming from, he wants to be able to tackle things with his full attention and 100% focus. But I think there is value in being able to keep track of many different things at once, multiple projects that can be worked on simultaneously is an example where I think multitasking can come in very handy.

Know Where Your Talents Are

"I have this fantasy of being a bartender," Bezos said. "I pride myself on my craft cocktails." That said, Bezos admitted he's very slow. In his fantasy bar, there would be a sign saying, "Do you want it good or do you want it fast?"

This one hits me in the gut. Too often I'm guilty of trying to be the best at everything, and while expanding my skillset is great and all, focusing on what I'm good at is probably what's best for growth.

Adventure over Ease

Everyone has two options for creating their "life story." Either you go for a life of "ease and comfort" or a life of "service and adventure."

I love this one, the idea of leading adventurous lives. My worst fear is regretting NOT doing something when I'm old and frail. I never want to be questioning to myself "What If ...?" and I think Bezos's recommendation to chase "service and adventure" fits in line perfectly.

All in all, I like what he's saying and I'd highly recommend watching the whole interview if you've got an hour to kill.

What do you guys think? Is this the standard entrepreneurial motivation talk, or is there substance in what Bezos is saying?