My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
“play a game you can win”
What It Means
Choose opportunities where your unique background and skills give you unfair advantages over competitors
Why It Matters
Dramatically increases probability of success by leveraging authentic strengths rather than competing on equal footing
When It's True
When you have genuine expertise, experience, or passion that others lack in a specific market
When It's Risky
When overestimating your advantages or when markets change faster than your advantages remain relevant
How to Apply
Audit your unique experiences and connections
Identify markets where these create competitive advantages
Choose opportunities with the best fit
Example Scenario
“A former military officer starts a security consulting firm rather than a general business consultancy because their background provides credibility competitors can't match.”
Related Knowledge
Addiction Transfer for Positive Outcomes
A systematic approach to redirecting addictive personalities toward positive, constructive behaviors rather than trying to eliminate the addictive tendency entirely.
Play a Game You Can Win Framework
A decision-making framework for choosing opportunities where your unique background, skills, and circumstances give you an unfair advantage over competitors.
Raise $1M+ for nonprofit in first year
Consistent monthly fundraising of $80k+ from corporate sponsors and individual donors who become long-term supporters
Open profitable physical location business with minimal capital
First location generating $100k+ monthly revenue within 30 days, with clear path to additional locations
Solve the Problem, Don't Fight the Position
A negotiation approach that focuses on understanding the underlying needs and constraints of the other party rather than
High Standards as Market Signal
Setting expectations and requirements high enough that some people self-select out, which actually increases desire amon