“It’s Obvious You Won’t Survive By Your Wits Alone” is a compilation of advice and observations on topics such as career, relationships, and personal success, presented in Adams’ signature humorous and irreverent style.
Focus on systems, not goals
The first key takeaway from the book is to focus on systems, not goals. Adams argues that instead of obsessing over specific outcomes or achievements, it’s more effective to build good habits and systems that will lead to success over the long term. By focusing on the process rather than the outcome, you can avoid getting discouraged by setbacks or failures and stay motivated to keep working towards your goals.
Build a personal brand
In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to create a personal brand and establish yourself as an expert in your field. Adams suggests that by creating content, engaging with others in your industry, and building a strong online presence, you can increase your visibility and credibility and open up new opportunities for success.
Take care of yourself
Adams emphasizes the importance of self-care, both for physical health and mental well-being. By making time for exercise, sleep, and other activities that recharge you, you can improve your focus, mood, and overall productivity.
Be kind and gracious
Finally, Adams stresses the importance of kindness and graciousness in all interactions, whether with colleagues, clients, or strangers. By treating others with respect and compassion, you can build stronger relationships, earn others’ trust, and create a more positive and supportive work environment.
Use humor to your advantage
As the creator of Dilbert, Adams is well-known for his sense of humor, and he argues that humor can be a powerful tool for success. By using humor to defuse tense situations, connect with others, and create a positive work environment, you can improve your communication skills and build stronger relationships with colleagues and clients.
Create your own luck
Another key idea from the book is that you can create your own luck by putting yourself in positions where good things are more likely to happen. This can mean taking risks, networking, and exposing yourself to new experiences and opportunities. By being proactive and taking control of your own destiny, you can increase your chances of success.
Manage your energy, not your time
While time management is important, Adams suggests that it’s even more important to manage your energy effectively. By focusing on activities that energize you and avoiding activities that drain you, you can maximize your productivity and avoid burnout.
Be a good listener
Listening is a critical skill in any field, and Adams argues that it’s one that’s often overlooked. By truly listening to others and seeking to understand their perspectives, you can build better relationships and gain valuable insights that can help you in your career.
Embrace failure
Adams argues that failure is an inevitable part of any success story and that we should embrace it rather than fear it. By learning from our mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth and improvement, we can become more resilient and better equipped to handle challenges in the future.
Develop multiple skills
In today’s fast-paced and constantly changing world, it’s important to be adaptable and versatile. Adams suggests that one way to do this is to develop multiple skills that complement each other and make you more valuable to employers or clients. By becoming a “jack of all trades,” you can increase your options and opportunities for success.
