10-Year Success Scoreboard

A framework for thinking about entrepreneurial success through a long-term lens rather than getting caught up in short-term comparisons.

Core Philosophy

• Don't measure success in 1-2 year increments
• Plant seeds and be patient - don't dig them up checking for growth
• Compare yourself at age 30-40, not 24-25
• Think of it as a 10-year game with one final scoreboard

Growth Pattern

• Learning curve is gradual but continuous
  • Each year brings new insights
  • Previous year's knowledge always seems limited in retrospect
• Results often follow a "hockey stick" pattern
  • Can stay flat for 7-10 years
  • Suddenly curves up rapidly when things click
  • "It's shit, it's shit, it's shit, then suddenly it works"

Early Stage Focus

• Build skills over chasing immediate money
• Focus on relationships and learning
  • Meeting people
  • Doing projects
  • Building capabilities
• Small projects teach valuable lessons even if they don't succeed financially
• Embrace the early struggle phase
  • Limited responsibilities
  • Freedom to experiment
  • Time with like-minded peers
  • Ability to try multiple approaches

Mental Framework

• Don't compare yourself to peers in traditional careers
• Accept that friends in banking/consulting may appear ahead short-term
• Trust you're making the right choice for long-term growth
• Measure success on a 10-year timeframe
• Focus on learning and building rather than immediate results