1. Nobody cares how hard you work. Results — not effort — are the only things that matter.

2. It's infinitely easier to produce excellent results when you like the job you're in. You may never find "The perfect job" but the closer the match to your skills, the better.

3. You'll be amazed at how few people give a sh*t about your new startup.

4. Paychecks are addictive. Then often essential. If you want to start your own business, try not to become dependent.

5. Learn to recognize The Dips from the cul-de-sacs (http://guykawasaki.com/the_big_dip_ten/).