Know that everything that you think someone somewhere is doing also thinking. Humans get more done as a group, so try to connect with that person! Reach out to him and have a conversation or brainstorm together.
Alon Braun is a master at decision making especially helping people make difficult decisions. One of the way that he help with this is that he is an expert in understanding cognitive hacks that allow you to maximise your cognitive load capacity such that people who have to make complex long range decisions involving factors with which are difficult to measure, those decisions can be make optimally and simply using his technologies.
Where did the idea for your children’s book “Don’t Cry, Learn” come from?
I have recognized that as a child when I had issues I went into shaming myself as a habit instead of doing problem solving. So for example, an issue like not being good at football would just translate into unhappiness. I wanted to arm my children to be empowered with the ability to solve problems instead of getting lost in feelings of unhappiness and shame. When I thought about my values and I came to the conclusion that this is a fundamental understanding that I want to instill in my children.
What does your typical day look like, and how do you make it productive?
I start my day with some routines to activate my body, increasing my physical awareness before focusing on my emotional awareness. Then I go over my todo list and check on my priorities for the day. I look at points that need my attention and decision making, and address them one by one, re-prioritizing if I need to to make the most of the day. While I work, I enjoy using the pomodoro technique.
How do you bring ideas to life?
After I’ve thought about an idea, I get into a planning stage where I break up the idea into small chunks. I am big believer in agile methodologies, and I approach execution for my personal projects this way.
What’s one trend that excites you?
There’s so many — every other week I learn something new that excites me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if by the time you read this I will have turned to another subject. But the ideas that I tend to find the most interesting have to do with philosophy and psychology, and integrating these into my personal and professional life.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I keep a pen and paper handy at all times, and I treat creative thinking as a process to be enjoyed when it strikes. On the other hand, I like to think in terms of value when making decisions or building a process, breaking up every choice or issue into core components and using math to figure out which is best.
What advice would you give your younger self?
That’s a great question, and interestingly enough it wound up being a key question that led me to write the book. The title actually summarizes it quite well — Don’t Cry, Learn!
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I believe that everyone has the same mental ability. The difference is how and where people put their focus.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I put my thoughts into writing, and spend time sitting with an idea, even revisiting it.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Know that everything that you think someone somewhere is doing also thinking. Humans get more done as a group, so try to connect with that person! Reach out to him and have a conversation or brainstorm together.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
When I was young I gave up too easily, and my trust in myself was nonexistent. Over the years I’ve learned that ideas are not everything–they’re just the start of a long journey of bringing the idea to life. Passion is the key to execution, so once you’ve committed to something, dig in and refuse to give up easily.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I think there’s a lot of money to be made in the space where investment meets science and research. If you start a business in this field you can have great success over the long-term. The niche is very hot and will stay for years to come.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I bought gymnastics rings recently to practice as exercise! I enjoy this a lot, learning how to move and manipulate my body with the rings in new ways fascinates me.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Recently I have migrated my task system to Trello. It’s a great platform and I have managed to integrate other tools I use to help me prioritize. I recommend using the plugin name “sortello” which is open source to do pairwise comparison of your tasks.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read, and why?
Happiness Is a Choice by Barry Kniel Kaufmann. His personal journey with his son and positive existentialist philosophy are meaningful to me.
What is your favorite quote?
“There is a crack in everything that how the light get in.” – Leonard Cohen
Connect:
LinkedIn:
Twitter:
Link to the book:
Website: alonbraun.com
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.