How to think

1. Synthesize new ideas constantly
2. Learn how to learn (rapidly)
3. Work backward from your goal
4. Always have a long-term plan
5. Make contingency maps
6. Collaborate.
7. Make your mistakes quickly
8. write up best-practices protocols
9. Document everything obsessively
10. Keep it simple

Original Article:
http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/boyden/