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Playing The Long Game: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Discover why playing the long-term game with long-term people is your ticket to sustainable success and lasting impact.
Louis-Neil Korsten
August 29, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
Did you know: It took Amazon 14 years to make as much net profit as it did in the fourth quarter of 2017 alone. Talk about playing the long game!
What to expect: Tired of chasing quick wins that fizzle out? Discover why playing the long-term game with long-term people is your ticket to sustainable success and lasting impact.
Playing The Long Game
In a world of quick wins, let's talk about something unsexy but crucial: playing the long game. Naval swears by it, and trust me, it's a game-changer.
My story? I used to chase quick wins, the next best idea, until I realized that to build something of true value, it would take long-term commitment and dedication. Who you work with over the long term is much more important than what you’re working on in the moment.
Why play the long game:
Trust compounds like interest.
Deep relationships lead to unique insights.
Long-term thinking builds resilience.
How to play:
Choose partners who share your values and vision.
Invest time in nurturing relationships.
Think in decades, not quarters.
Diving deeper: Naval emphasizes that all returns in life come from compound interest, whether in wealth, relationships, or knowledge. This principle is particularly potent in business. When you consistently deliver value over time, you build a reputation that attracts opportunities. Long-term relationships allow for deeper understanding and trust, leading to more fruitful collaborations.
Moreover, when you think long-term, you make decisions differently. Instead of optimizing for short-term gains, you consider sustainability and scalability. This approach often leads to more innovative solutions and robust business models. It's not about ignoring short-term needs, but rather about balancing them with long-term vision.
Your long game challenge:
Identify one relationship to nurture long-term.
Reach out to them with no agenda other than connection.
For your next big decision, consider its 10-year impact.
Remember, the long game isn't about delaying gratification forever. It's about building something sustainable, creating a legacy, not just a quick buck.
