Take time, every now and then, to do something crazy, new, and fun. If for no other reason than to remind yourself that you can do anything.

The goal this year is that next year we'll look back on our code, shake our head, and laugh at how much we've learned, how far we've come.

It's important to look back on the ways in which we have changed for the better else we risk blindly trading the good for the bad later on.

Greatness requires that your learning be self sustaining. Learn to learn and find that even in the absence of a teacher lessons come to you.

Take time to reflect when life slows you down. Stop. Look. Listen. Feel. Sometimes you need to find something you didn't know to look for.

To know ones self look an impossible problem in the eye to find only yourself staring back out, and then fight unflinchingly for the answer.

Remember: what somebody wants to do is usually more important than what they say they want. To provide one and forsake the other is a lie.

Sometimes it is necessary to do what nobody else would. Not because it is necessary, but to redefine what is possible. Greatness is brave.

If everything people do or think is wrong they stop trying to be right. Choose your battles, and your demands. Demoralized people lose hope.

If you are directing programmers then your goal should be to motivate them to do amazing things. Be careful that you do not to the opposite.