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Little Bets

224 pages, 2013

business & management

business & management

1082 books
psychology

psychology

705 books
self-improvement

self-improvement

909 books
Takeaways
Description

Bestselling author Peter Sims researched the lives and works of innovators including Apple CEO Steve Jobs, comedian Chris Rock, prize-winning architect Frank Gehry, the story developers at Pixar films, and the Army Chief of Strategic Plans. He found that all of them have achieved breakthrough results by methodically taking small, experimental steps in order to discover and develop new ideas. 

 Rather than believing they have to start with a big idea or plan a whole project out in advance, trying to foresee the final outcome, they make a series of little bets about what might be a good direction, learning from lots of little failures and from small but highly significant wins that allow them to happen upon unexpected avenues and arrive at extraordinary outcomes.

Embrace Small Experiments

In Little Bets, Peter Sims encourages us to see the value in small, low-risk actions as a way to discover new ideas and solutions. Instead of making one big bet, he suggests making a series of little bets to explore different possibilities and learn from the outcomes.

Learn from Failure

Sims emphasizes that failure isn't the end, but rather a stepping stone to success. He encourages us to learn from our mistakes and use them as opportunities to grow and improve. So, don't be afraid to fail, it's all part of the journey.

Creativity is a Process

The author wants us to understand that creativity isn't a sudden burst of inspiration, but a process that involves making little bets, learning from failures, and constantly iterating. So, if you're feeling stuck, just start with a small step and see where it leads you.

The Power of Iteration

Sims highlights the importance of iteration in the creative process. He suggests that we should constantly refine our ideas based on feedback and learning from our little bets. This way, we can gradually improve our ideas and solutions over time.

Problem Solving through Little Bets

In Little Bets, we find that complex problems can often be solved through a series of small experiments. By breaking down a big problem into smaller parts, we can tackle each part one at a time and gradually find a solution. So, next time you're faced with a big challenge, try making little bets to find your way out.

Quotes 3

Little Bets is a fascinating exploration of how important, and often overlooked, it is to be willing to fail and learn from these failures. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to take a path of exploration in their life.

Bill GatesBill Gates - Microsoft Co-founder

Little Bets is a manual for innovation. It encourages us to take on challenges by taking small, manageable steps, learning and adapting as we go along.

Tim BrownTim Brown - Design Thinking

Little Bets is a breakthrough book about how a series of small actions can lead to big changes in business, life, and society. A must-read for anyone who wants to transform their thinking.

Tom KelleyTom Kelley - Innovation Expert
Bill GatesTim BrownTom Kelley

Recommendations

1
Kathryn Minshew

Kathryn Minshew

entrepreneur

Little Bets found in libraries

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87 books

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