Many people fail to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams because they spend too much time on their backup plans. This tendency to allocate 99% of their effort to Plan B and only 1% to their true ambitions often results in unfulfilled dreams. Instead of settling for "at least I had my backup plan," it's crucial to prioritise and pursue your primary goals with full dedication.
Focus Your Energy
Complete focus, grit, and determination are essential to achieving significant goals. Diluting your efforts across multiple businesses can weaken your overall impact. Robert Greene, in his book "48 Laws of Power," emphasises this in Law 23: "Concentrate Your Forces." He explains that success is more likely when you concentrate your efforts on one rich opportunity rather than spreading yourself thin across many.
Investment expert Warren Buffett also supports this idea. He advises against diversifying too much, suggesting that concentrating on your top investments yields better results. This principle applies to personal and professional goals as well—investing your resources in your primary objective can lead to greater achievements.
Successful individuals like Bill Gates didn't work on backup plans when starting Microsoft. Their unwavering focus on their main goals paved the way for their extraordinary success.
Prime Your Mind for Success
Creating backup plans can limit your exposure to risk, which in turn restricts your potential for significant accomplishments. Backup plans often prepare you for failure, making you more likely to accept it when challenges arise.
In discussions with people who questioned my stance, I realised I had never considered failure as an option. My confidence in achieving my goals was so strong that I never entertained the idea of not succeeding. This mindset—absolute certainty in your success—prevents you from giving up at the first sign of difficulty. Even decades from now, maintaining this conviction will keep you driven toward your goals.
Build a Future to Look Forward To
Consider where your current path will lead you in 30 years. Does the thought of your future excite you or depress you? Your answer should inspire enthusiasm and motivation. If not, it's time to reassess your priorities. Life is too short to spend it on pursuits that don't bring you joy and fulfilment.
The notion that visionaries like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, or Elon Musk would focus on backup plans is laughable. Achieving greatness requires effort, hard work, and unwavering focus. The idea of achieving success passively is a misconception. In today's fast-paced world, many seek quick wins, but building something truly great takes time and dedication.
Conclusion
Concentrate your forces, take risks, and follow your dreams with unwavering determination. The biggest mistake is not starting today, and the second biggest is not starting at all. Understand the incredible potential you have and use it to provide value to the world.
There are countless individuals with the potential to become the next Bezos, Zuckerberg, Buffett, Gates, or Musk, but many never try. Start today and commit to achieving your dreams. Your future self will thank you.
Thank you for reading. I wish you every success in your journey. Now go and achieve!
Kieran Audsley
Founderli CEO, Founder
