My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
“the sexier the business the lower return on investment”
What It Means
Industries that seem glamorous or appealing typically offer worse financial returns for participants
Why It Matters
Helps people make rational career decisions based on economic reality rather than emotional appeal
When It's True
When evaluating career paths in competitive creative industries vs boring but stable industries
When It's Risky
When you have exceptional talent (top 0.1%) in a sexy industry, or when non-financial factors matter more than money
How to Apply
Research actual employment and income statistics before choosing career path
Consider boring industries for primary income and sexy pursuits as hobbies
Evaluate opportunities based on supply/demand rather than personal interest
Example Scenario
“A talented musician chooses software engineering for stable income while playing music on weekends, achieving both financial security and creative fulfillment.”
Related Knowledge
you can't have it all you just can't have it all at once
Life satisfaction requires sequential focus rather than simultaneous optimization of all areas
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
Time-bounded Recovery Framework
A self-imposed time limit for processing and recovering from failures, losses, or setbacks before you must take action t
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