Sam Spink

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

Testing has bad reputation because of the crazy pressure we put our kids through in school.

Testing is the best way to learn if we embrace the simple fact we will get some things wrong along the way.

It is not a failure, only the start.

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

Insurance - boring as **** for 99.9% of the time.

For that 0.1%, you'll be damn glad you had it.

What's your biggest risk that's not insured?

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

Breaking down complexity into simple things requires a fundamental skill...

Being able to see from the other's point of view. They may be struggling to understand for different reasons than you did before you understood

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

What does the pathway look like to mastering something?

Understand the basics until they are second nature.

Learning is a ladder and the top can only be reached by using each rung.

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

Learning something new gives you a special kind of energy.

Use that energy to do something you could not do before.

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

Learning is just half the journey.

Learning + application is where the money is at

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

Compartmentalisation is an incredible tool to breaking down difficult tasks.

Whatever it is you are dealing with, can you "chunk it down" into smaller, meaningful pieces then focus on one at a time.

Check out @RichDiviney for more info

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

If the person you are explaining something to does not get it, whose fault is that?

Definitely yours. Try simplifying or using an analogy that is relatable to them.

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

As an actuary, we regularly communicate complexity to audiences who are not familiar with the topic.

It is a real test of what you understand if you can explain it to someone who has no idea what you do

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

Taking the first step is the hardest. The energy you get from taking it is awesome and it fuels the next step.

Do whatever it takes to make that first step.

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

"If you're eager to learn—even if you aren't particularly talented—then you can make it a long way despite your shortcomings.

But if you're not eager and curious, you'll find your natural abilities often fall short of what is required."

-@JamesClear

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

How to learn best?

Learning from reading kind of works.

Learning from doing always works.

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

Helping someone to learn something is such a joy and a privilege.

The look in their eyes when they “get it” never gets old

[Justin Welsh @thejustinwelsh]

Your mind will create a thousand logical reasons to stay exactly where you are.

To keep the job, maintain the relationship, and follow the rules.

Sometimes, logic is the enemy of growth.

Great decisions don't always make sense on paper.

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

Life can be pretty overwhelming at times.

The cure that works 100% of the time is taking the first step to sorting out the problem.

It’s also the hardest step. Let’s go.

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

Learning anything comes down to breaking complexity into its constituent parts and relating it to something you know already

In my experience it’s really hard to truly understand something if you can’t relate to it

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

Changes in direction can be terrifying

As long as you’re progressing and learning, it’ll be ok

[James Clear @JamesClear]

The creative process:

1. Discover - Read a lot. Observe the world. Notice.
2. Collect - Immediately record anything that strikes you.
3. Generate - Build on your notes to brainstorm lots of ideas.
4. Combine - Connect previously unconnected ideas.
5. Refine - Edit, edit, edit. Select the best.

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

The things they don’t tell you about kids before kids…

They get sick. A lot.

You learn how to adapt and just roll with it

[Sam Spink @Undercover_pom]

I fundamentally believe anyone can learn anything with the right mentor and the right attitude

To learn is our greatest ability as a species