Friend,

Everyone's heard the stat that 90% of businesses fail.

It's the stat people throw around when they don't really know what they're talking about.

People who tell you this have rarely ever started or run a business themselves.

But they're not wrong.

Stats don't lie.

So why do so many businesses fail?

You see, business is a long term game.

In your first few years you're going to have to overcome a huge learning curve.

All while earning very little.

As a result, you need to think long term and build consistent habits that will keep you turning up every day.

This is what your average business owner will do.

For the first three months they'll go 150%.

This will decrease to around 75% by month 6.

By month 9 this will be around 50%.

By the end of the first year, most burn out and quit.

I know this because it's something I did myself.

During my first year of business I was constantly going 100%.

Long work hours were the norm.

I stopped socializing.

I made everything about business.

And by the end of the year I was burnt out.

In trying to create an alternative to a job, I'd created something I hated even more.

I was working with clients I didn't like, working stupidly long hours and didn't have the energy to change.

Instead of quitting I took some time off and reflected.

Upon reflection, I realised I was playing a short term game instead of looking to build a long term successful business.

This is the mistake most people make.

So how can you avoid it and start thinking long term?

1. Create Annual Goals

Start by writing down where you see yourself in a year's time.

What's your income? How many hours do you work? Who are your ideal clients?

Break each goal down into actionable tasks and build habits around them.

2. Take Quarterly Breaks

Every quarter take one week off to reflect.

If possible decrease your screen time and spend time going on walks & with friends and family.

During this week you'll think of ideas that you'd normally be too busy for.

And you'll also begin rebuilding your energy levels.

Which brings me to the last tip.

3. Manage Your Energy Levels

As a business owner energy is your biggest asset.

And to prevent yourself from burning out you need to manage it.

In my experience the best way to do this is set non negotiable tasks.

These are tasks you do every day no matter what.

Once you've completed these you can complete other tasks based on your energy levels.

Some days you'll get a significant amount of work done.

Others you might not.

Either way your important tasks are complete.

Playing the long game in business will ultimately determine your success.

Yes, in the short term you'll need to sacrifice more, work longer hours and constantly adapt.

But remember to take your foot of the pedal every now and then.

You don't want to become another stat.

Copy "play the long game" Maverick