My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Time-bounded Recovery Framework
A self-imposed time limit for processing and recovering from failures, losses, or setbacks before you must take action to move forward
Decision Rule
Major life event = 12 weeks to feel impact but still function; business failure = 2-3 months; breakup = proportional to relationship length; then you must actively work on recovery
How It Works
Prevents getting stuck in extended periods of non-productivity where skills atrophy and confidence erodes; forces movement even when you don't feel ready
Failure Modes
Setting too short a timeline that doesn't allow proper processing
Not actually taking action when the timeline expires
Being too rigid and not adjusting for truly exceptional circumstances
Using it to avoid dealing with underlying issues that require professional help
Example Decision
“After a startup fails, allow yourself 2 months to process disappointment and guilt, but by month 3, force yourself to start networking, applying for jobs, or planning the next venture, even if you don't feel ready.”
Related Knowledge
America Uniquely Tolerates Failure
Entrepreneurs should start more businesses and take more risks in America than they would in other countries
Sexier Business, Lower ROI Principle
A career selection rule stating that the more attractive or glamorous an industry appears, the lower the financial retur
Algebra of Wealth Formula
A mathematical representation of wealth building: Focus × Stoicism × Time × Diversification = Wealth
Build a business designed from inception to sell at premium multiples
Selling company for 8x+ revenue in top decile of industry valuations
Influence Absorption Framework
A deliberate strategy of deeply studying 3-5 people you admire so thoroughly that you can 'turn them on' and channel the
the sexier the business the lower return on investment
Industries that seem glamorous or appealing typically offer worse financial returns for participants