Masala Inc #16 - Ten Bullets

Tom Sachs Studio, Ten Bullets and the DO list

Aug 1, 2022

Hey friends,

I stumbled upon Tom Sachs orientation video, Ten Bullets. Everyone who wants to work in his studio has to watch it. They apparently show these at some NASA teams orientations too.

I have always felt the ad hoc nature of working on something creative worked for my attention deficit mind. I realize now that it was always an excuse that comes from fear of failing. Within a structure, failure can be unbearably glaring.

Over the last year, I have been working towards incremental changes to both my inner and outer environment. Starting with small guard rails around structure and consistency.

If you enjoyed the hodgepodge of topics covered on Masala Inc. and you think some of your friends would enjoy it too. Kindly share it around.

Ten Bullets

You can read it on my website

I: Work To Code: Or, Creativity is the Enemy

Trust the system in place
Inventions must happen within existing vocabulary
Stick to what has been defined for you to do

II: Sacred Space

Respect of the work space is essential
Personal items should be put on hooks are discretely stowed away
Do not become distracted by work of others unless instructed to do so
All respect should be given to a worker completing a task

III : B.O.T - Be On Time - Come Prepared and Commit yourself Entirely

On the clock mentality that carries to all things. Not just being punctual
Your present task is your highest priority. It must command your focus
B.O.T means you care for yourself mentally and physically so that you are well prepared for work

IV: Be Thorough

Thoroughness means paying attention to tasks that come before and after what you do. (Always carry pen and paper to make notes of TODOs)

V: I Understand

For effective execution, SAY that you understand
1

VI: Sent does not mean Received

VII: KEEP A LIST

Keep a prioritized list at all times
Carry this list at all times
Your list is your future and your past

VII: Always Be Knolling

Scan environment, put away things you don’t need.

Knoll

IX: Sacrifice to Leatherface

X: Persistance

“Nothing in the world can take place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” Ray Kroc, Founder of Mc’Donalds.

The DO List

A TODO list is for the weak.

A TODO list is a haven for procrastination.

The DO list is the way to get things done.

The DO list is your future and your past

What’s a DO list

Take a pen and paper
Split the paper into four quadrants
Write the tasks you want to DO anywhere on the quadrant. In any quadrant that you want
Carry it in your pocket
Add any task that you want to DO to it at any time
Once all the tasks are done. You retire the paper and start a new one.

I read this thing in Atomic Habits and it has stuck with me since. In Tokyo metro, train conductors, drivers and station staff play an important role in the safe and efficient operation of the lines; a key aspect of which is the variety of physical gestures and vocal calls that they perform while undertaking their duties. Shisa kanko, pointing-and-calling works on the principle of associating one’s tasks with physical movements and vocalizations to prevent errors. [source](https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/pointing-and-calling-japan-trains)

yesh // july 31 2022

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