Upstream decisions and time
A few thoughts no one asked for
The most powerful variable in business is time. Ironically, it is also the most overlooked.
Positioned correctly, time is your closest ally. Positioned wrong, time is your worst nightmare.
The most evident example most of us can relate to is:
Spending > Earnings
Doesn’t how matter how rich or well-funded you are. Time will run you dry.
Spending < Earnings
With a little help from something called compounding (a.k.a. time), it is literally impossible not to achieve financial freedom. The question is when.
Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it. He who doesn't, pays it. - Albert Einstein
Time is an unforgiving and relentless river. Position yourself correctly and without much effort, it will carry you to your destination. Inversely, try to command it, you will tire out and most certainly drown.
The trick to much of life is making the right upstream decisions and letting time do it’s magic.
This is true in health, relationships and in business. Only a few decisions truly matters in life. And mid-stream, the only decision that matter is your next.
Your business x Improvementtime
If you want to build a big business, understanding the concept of time is key. Contrary to media’s depiction, businesses rarely become big over night. They compound over many years (the average billionaire is 66 years old. In fact, only 9,5% of all billionaires are under the age of 50).
(Even more confounding, in “startup-up land” time is a bad word. It’s a value detractor to investors but a red flag to me).
“People often overestimate what will happen in the next two years and underestimate what will happen in ten.” - Bill gates
The take-away is this (I think):
Focus your effort on identifying and making the right upstream decisions (e.g. who you marry, where you live, business model etc). Don’t sweat the rest.
If you find yourself having made the wrong decision. Find comfort that your next decision is the only one that matters.
Overestimate rather than underestimate the time needed to achieve your results. The cost of overestimation is often negligible.
Overestimating time is not an indication of low ambitions. Perhaps the opposite.
Stay away from “quick-wins”, “hacks” and anyone that value “timing” over time.
Enjoy the weekend.
/ Carl