Life goes fast
Why not build something that outlasts you?
Growing up, I watched my mom paint and my dad create from his woodshop.
Both have built many physical pieces and works that will outlast them.
I wonder how much society would change if everyone were asked, “What are you building that will outlast you?”
THINKING IN DECADES
If you’re expecting to live to be 90, and the first 2 decades were awkward years of learning to be human, and the last 2 decades your body will slow down and not move as fast as you’d like, you only have a block of 5 decades to make it count.
The graphic above from Tim Urban (waitbutwhy) is a megaphone reminder that we have less time than we think, therefore time is the enemy. This is the #1 reason I’m a paranoid founder.
In my mind, the good things take decades to build and that’s not a lot of time.
BENEFITS OF THINKING IN DECADES
1. You will attract the right people.
Fellow builders who also want to create something that outlasts themselves.
A cult following of customers who can’t imagine their lives without you.
2. You will escape competition.
My guess is that most AI startups are thinking in weeks right now, especially as development advances to the outside world by the week.
But who out there is building the next company like NVIDIA? Did you know they’re 3 decades old?
Or another example. There are A LOT more people in the world who have run a 5k than an ultramarathon. As the race distances expand, there are fewer runners.
Speaking of running…
3. Execution compounds well over a decade. I’m a product of #1 above.
I read the book The Happy Runner. It attracted me because of the long term and fun mindset the authors David and Megan have for running. I then reached out to David and asked if he’d coach me.
David was only looking for someone to commit long term. That was me. I’m now 4 years into coaching with David. He lines up the training plan, I execute. From that execution, I’m starting to see results (like understanding how to fuel my body during an ultramarathon). Those results are compounding. I expect to see the height of my running career take shape over the next 5 years.
The same goes for therapy. I started seeing a therapist about the same time I found David. The first 2 years of therapy were getting through the bad stuff. Now I’m learning to understand why I think the way I do.
That clarity is compounding and preparing me to build and lead a company that will be here long after I’m gone.
What are you building that will outlast you?