Key Lessons from Rework

Stop Playing by Someone Else’s Rules. Question Norms, Skip the Fluff, Focus on Work that Matters

Rework is like your friend who flips the Monopoly board and says, “Let’s play something better.” It’s not about playing by the rules; it’s about questioning if the rules even make sense. Keep it simple, stay flexible, and do the work that matters. This book dismantles the polished myths of traditional business advice and serves up a simple, refreshing reality check.

Here’s the key lessons:

1. Rethink Work Norms

Imagine you’ve inherited a house filled with furniture from a crazy aunt who loved doilies. Why keep all that stuff? Business is the same. Question everything. Growth for the sake of growth? Maybe not. Ten-year plans? Who knows where you’ll be in ten years? Focus on what actually moves the needle, not just what “everyone does.” Focus on questioning why certain norms exist and whether they actually serve your goals.

2. Planning is Guessing

Planning is like predicting the weather six months from now — it’s just a fancy way to guess. Things will change. They always do. Instead, make decisions when you’re closer to the action, armed with better information. Over-planning is futile. Flexibility is more valuable than adhering to rigid long-term plans.

3. Workaholism Isn’t a Badge of Honor

Picture a hamster on a wheel bragging about how fast it’s running. That’s a workaholic. Long hours don’t equal great work — they just lead to burnout and bad decisions. Smart, efficient work? That’s where the magic happens. Efficiency and smart work trump raw hours. Every time.

4. Start Now, No Excuses

Waiting for the perfect moment is like waiting for a unicorn to pick you up for work — it’s not happening. Start with what you have, even if it’s duct tape and a dream. Imperfect action beats perfect hesitation every time. Use whatever resources at your disposal to get moving.

5. Constraints Fuel Creativity

You know that weirdly amazing meal you made when your fridge was empty? That’s what constraints do. Limited time, money, or resources force you to focus on what’s essential. It’s like a creativity cheat code. Limited resources aren’t a barrier, but an advantage.

6. Small is Not a Stepping Stone

Small isn’t “just until we’re big.” Small is a legit strategy. It’s agile. It’s lean. It’s the kayak compared to the cruise ship — sure, the cruise ship has buffets, but the kayak can turn on a dime. Staying small has its benefits, like agility, simplicity, and less bureaucracy. Growth should be pursued with purpose, not blindly.

7. Success is in Doing, Not Dreaming

Having ideas is like owning seeds. Great! But if you never plant them, they’re just a bowl of potential. Start. Even if your first steps look silly, movement will make things real. Bring those ideas to life, no matter how small your initial steps.

8. Don’t Chase Perfection

Chasing perfection is like trying to catch a rainbow — it’s beautiful but impossible. Instead, aim for “good enough” and get your “thing” out into the real world. Early wins create momentum, and momentum is rocket fuel. Striving for “good enough” beats seeking perfection.

9. Focus on What Won’t Change

Trends are like fads in high school — cool for a second, embarrassing later. Build products or services around timeless principles. People will always want quality, reliability, and things that make their lives easier. Start here.

10. Build Half a Product, Not a Half-Assed One

Trying to do everything at once is the quickest way to do everything poorly. Focus. Nail a few things. A polished small product beats a sloppy big one every time. Avoid spreading your resources too thin by chasing every potential idea.

11. Stand for Something

Your business can’t be everyone’s BFF. Take a stance. Be clear about what you believe in. Sure, some people won’t vibe with it, but your tribe will love you harder for it. Differentiate yourself from the competition

12. Outside Funding Isn’t Always Necessary

Money from investors comes with strings attached — strings that often turn into ropes, and suddenly you’re a puppet, or worse, in a noose. Bootstrap if you can. Stay scrappy and keep control. Don’t sacrifice control and prioritizing your investors’ goals over your customers’.

13. Simplify and Eliminate Mass

Imagine running a marathon with a backpack full of bricks. That’s what excess infrastructure, staff, and long-term commitments do to a business. Lean is nimble. Nimble wins. And simplicity makes your business more adaptable.

14. Build Something You’d Use

If you don’t want to use your product, why should anyone else? Solve a problem you have, and you’ll naturally understand your audience. Authenticity for the win. Your intimate understanding of the problem will go a long way towards your success.

15. Hire When It Hurts

Hiring early is like throwing a party before you have snacks — it’s awkward and unnecessary. Only bring someone on when the pain of not having employees outweighs the cost of hiring them.

You can support The Self Help Book Shelf by grabbing a copy of Rework here.