The Diary of a CEO
The 33 Laws of Business and Life
CAREER & SUCCESS
by Steven Bartlett
4/17/20247 min read
Introduction
Imagine a book that’s like a treasure map for success. “The Diary of a CEO” is just that! It’s packed with stories, tips, and secrets from the big bosses of business. Think of it as your personal coach for becoming a boss yourself.
Now, we all know getting to the top isn’t easy. But guess what? There are hidden hints and tips along the way, like secret shortcuts to make your climb to the top a lot smoother.
Dive into this book, and you’ll find the coolest parts of what makes winners win. We’ve picked out the top seven tips from the author’s 33 rules. These aren’t just any tips; they’re the special sauce that the super successful use to stay ahead. So, are you ready to play detective and track down these clues to success? Let’s go!
Chapter 1: Fill your five life buckets one by one
Imagine life as a game where you level up by filling five special buckets: Know-How, Do-How, Who-Knows-You, Goodies, and Fame. Here’s how to play smart and win big:
Level 1: Know-How Your first quest is to fill the Know-How bucket. It’s like the base of your superhero lair. The more you learn, the stronger your base. Dive into books, explore new subjects, and keep your curiosity alive!
Level 2: Do-How Next, pour all that knowledge into the Do-How bucket. This is where you practice your superpowers until they shine. Paint, code, speak, calculate – whatever your powers are, use them until they’re second nature.
Level 3: Who-Knows-You Now, it’s time for the Who-Knows-You bucket. This is your fan club. The better you are with your powers, the more fans you attract. Friends, mentors, allies – they’re all part of your team now.
Level 4: Goodies With a team behind you, you’ll unlock the Goodies bucket. This is your treasure chest – money, gadgets, and secret scrolls (or just good advice). Every treasure helps you level up even faster.
Level 5: Fame The last bucket is Fame. It’s your superhero badge that tells the world you’re the real deal. A strong badge opens secret doors and brings epic quests to your doorstep.
But remember, no cheating! Trying to fill Fame before your Know-How is like wearing a cape before you can fly – it looks cool, but won’t help you soar. Stick to the order, fill each bucket, and you’ll be the hero of your own story. 🚀
Chapter 2: Just Ask!
Ever noticed how a simple “Will you?” can be more powerful than a whole lecture? That’s because questions get us moving! Instead of saying “Recycle, please,” try “Will you recycle?” and watch the magic happen. It’s like a little nudge for your brain to say “Yes, I will!” and actually do it.
Asking yes-or-no questions is like flipping a switch in your mind. No maybes, just a straight-up choice that pushes you to act. It’s like your brain’s making a pinky promise with itself.
This trick uses a bit of brain science called “cognitive dissonance” – that awkward feeling when you’re not living up to your own superhero standards. Ask yourself the right question, and you’ll want to jump into action to feel like a hero again.
So, next time you want to hit the gym or get something done, don’t just tell yourself. Ask yourself, “Am I going to do it?” It’s like setting a secret mission for yourself. And who doesn’t love completing missions? 🏋️♂️✨
Chapter 3: The ‘Just Right’ Trick for Selling
Ever heard of Goldilocks and her “just right” porridge? Turns out, her picky eating habits can teach us a lot about selling! It’s all about the Goldilocks effect – people love choices that are not too fancy, not too plain, but just perfect.
So, if you’re selling something cool, don’t just show off that one thing. Line up three – a fancy one, a simple one, and the one you really want to sell right in the middle. It’s like setting up a treasure hunt where the middle treasure looks like the best deal ever.
Big brands do this all the time. They put out a trio of products, and guess what? The middle one usually wins the popularity contest. It’s like the porridge that’s not too hot, not too cold, but just right.
This clever move messes with our heads a bit, making us think the middle choice is the safest bet. It’s a mind game where we pick not just with our brains, but with our hearts too. Use the Goldilocks effect and watch your stuff fly off the shelves! 🚀🛍️
Chapter 4: The Five-Second Rule
Got five seconds? That’s all it takes to win or lose in the marketing world. It’s like a mini-movie trailer for your product – make it catchy, or they’ll move on.
The secret? Tell a story that sticks. Forget the boring stats and features. Hook them with a tale that tugs at the heartstrings.
Think about it. You’re scrolling through your phone, half-awake. What’s going to make you stop and look? That’s the golden ticket.
Here’s the kicker: our attention span is now less than a goldfish’s! Yep, we’ve got just eight seconds before we zone out. So, those first five seconds of your ad? They’re gold.
Make them count. Make them memorable. Because in this fast-paced world, attention is the best gift you can get. And it all starts with a bang in those first few seconds. 🎬✨
Chapter 5: Don’t Be an Ostrich!
Life’s full of “ouch” moments, like pulling off a band-aid. But guess what? Dodging tough talks or tricky truths doesn’t fix anything. It’s like hitting snooze on your alarm – the problem’s still there when you wake up, maybe even bigger.
Think of the ostrich, hiding its head in the sand. Some bosses do the same, crossing their fingers and hoping problems just poof away. Spoiler: they don’t. Ignoring stuff like slacking teams or money messes can lead your business into a nosedive.
But hey, there’s a way out! First, own up to the mess. Peek under the rug where you’ve swept all those problems. Then, chat about it – no finger-pointing, just talking. And really listen, like you’re tuning into your favorite song.
This four-step fix is like a treasure map to dig out troubles before they turn into monsters.
Remember, issues left alone grow like weeds in a garden. The best leaders don’t run; they face the music, even if it’s a bit off-key.
So, in business and life, don’t play hide and seek with the truth. Tackle it head-on. That’s how you dodge the ditches and climb to the top. Ready to stop playing ostrich? 🏝️👀
Chapter 6: The Time-Use Formula
Think of your life as a big, beautiful painting. Every hour is a brushstroke. Are you painting a masterpiece or just making a mess? Time is your paint – use it to create something awesome.
Here’s a cool tip: there’s a secret formula for using time well. It’s called the discipline equation. It’s all about choosing to spend time on things that matter most to you, that make you happy, and that don’t wear you out.
Picture your dream. Make it so real in your mind, you can almost touch it. Then, make getting there fun! Team up with friends, set cool challenges, and keep score. It’s like turning life into a game.
And here’s the best part: cut out the stuff that’s dragging you down. With clear dreams, fun times, and no dead weight, you’ll have the power to focus on what’s really important.
Remember, life’s ticking away. So, live like you mean it. Use your time like it’s gold, and paint your life’s picture bright and bold. 🎨⏳✨
Chapter 7: The Team Strength Meter
Imagine your team is a chain, and everyone’s a link. You want a chain that can lift trophies, not one that snaps under pressure. But what if a star player starts to lose their shine?
In the big game of business, every move counts. Smart bosses know that a winning team lives by the company’s playbook – its culture. If someone starts playing by their own rules, it can throw the whole game off.
Think about it – one sour mood can spread like a cold in the office. So, if someone’s not playing nice, it’s time for them to hit the showers.
Here’s a cool trick to check your team’s vibe: the three bars framework. It’s like a game of “What if?” What if everyone on the team was just like this person? Would you score more wins, stay the same, or start dropping the ball?
The ones who lift everyone up? They’re your MVPs – give them the ball more. But the ones who let the air out? They’ve got to go, no matter how many trophies they’ve won before.
Every new player you bring in is a chance to score bigger and better. So, pick wisely and play to win. That’s how you build a team that’s not just good, but championship good. 🏆👊
Final summary
Life and work are like a game where the right moves and mindset upgrades can make you a champion. Here’s a quick guide to playing it smart:
Personal Power-Ups: Boost your brain and skills first. They’re your secret weapons.
Question Quest: Ask smart questions. It’s like casting a spell to get things moving.
Goldilocks Gear: Offer choices that feel just right, and watch people pick your potion.
Five-Second Flash: Grab attention fast. Make your message stick like a catchy tune.
Ostrich Out: Don’t bury your head in the sand. Face problems like a hero.
Time Treasure: Manage your minutes like precious gems. Live with purpose.
Team Trophy: Build a dream team that plays by the rules and scores big.
About the author
Steven Bartlett – a wizard in the business world, whose voice echoes in one of Europe’s top podcasts, “The Diary of a CEO.” He’s not just playing the game; he’s changing it, one bestseller at a time. 🚀🏆