My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
“I need to feel like I'm being chased by a bear”
What It Means
Maintaining intense pressure and urgency is sometimes necessary for maximum performance and focus
Why It Matters
Reveals how removing pressure through early funding can reduce the drive needed for breakthrough success
When It's True
For entrepreneurs who perform best under pressure and have sufficient resources to reach key milestones
When It's Risky
When pressure leads to poor decision-making or when the entrepreneur lacks basic resources for survival
How to Apply
Assess whether you perform better with or without pressure
Only take investment when you have specific growth plans
Maintain artificial pressure even with resources
Example Scenario
“A founder with 8 months of runway considers taking investment for 'safety' but realizes the pressure is driving their best work and waits until they need capital for expansion.”
Related Knowledge
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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