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Trevor O'Hara

The Fallacy of Goals

The Fallacy of Goals

I was sitting in my favorite coffee shop this morning. Amid the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the clanging of cups, my attention was drawn to a nearby table where two young people were engaged in a lively conversation about their future goals.

2 min read
Why We Suck at Probabilities

Why We Suck at Probabilities

Last week I was giving a talk to a group of startup founders in London. We got onto the theme of success and successful outcomes in life. My point, which I make repeatedly, is that we vastly underestimate the role of randomness and chance in our life decisions, and I quoted Taleb in the discussion:

2 min read
21 Principles for the Nonlinear Life

21 Principles for the Nonlinear Life

Beringia was an ancient land bridge that connected Russia and Alaska thousands of years ago. When the ice sheets started to melt, the Beringians were forced to venture back into the land they once knew (the known world), or venture forth into an unknown, unpredictable land.

11 min read
It Ain't Resilience!

It Ain't Resilience!

I don't know about you, but I'm tired of being "resilient." Just when I thought I was resilienT enough and it was safe to go back into the water, Dr. Fate deals another blow. Whaaat? Again?

2 min read
The Power of Optionality

The Power of Optionality

Several years ago, a startup I was running failed. I was so sure of success, I had no backup plan. The stress almost cost me my marriage and my health. I've learned a lot about the power of optionality since then

1 min read
Why Leaving a Legacy Is a Myth

Why Leaving a Legacy Is a Myth

I've struggled with the notion of leaving a legacy when I die. Many of us have this grand vision of what will be written on our tombstone and what people will say about us after we're gone.

2 min read