OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shares his top strategy for living without regrets: taking calculated risks and being open to change. According to Altman, most risks are not one-way doors, meaning they can be undone or adjusted if needed.
Altman dropped out of Stanford University in 2005 to build Loopt, a location-based social networking app, which marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. He emphasizes that leaving college was a reversible decision, allowing him to pivot if entrepreneurship didn’t work out.
Similarly, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos considers whether opportunities are two-way door risks, emphasizing the importance of being deliberate and careful when taking calculated risks.
Altman encourages students to be open to deviating from traditional paths and not to avoid taking risks. He believes that AI will continue to disrupt traditional paths, making it essential for younger generations to adapt and pivot as needed.
In fact, data shows that 43% of the graduating class of 2025 expect to pivot to a new field at least once in their careers, demonstrating an appreciation for having optionality.
By embracing calculated risks and being open to change, individuals can reduce the likelihood of regret and increase their chances of success. As Altman puts it, “The risky thing is to not go try the things that might really work out.”
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/17/openai-ceo-sam-altmans-his-no-1-strategy-for-living-without-regrets.html