Numbers are the kryptonite.

Jan 22

Most founders are comfortable taking risks that would terrify most people.

They're unflappably optimistic about the future, despite all the headwinds.

And yet,

I can ask a question that will get most founders shaking in their boots:

How much gross profit will you be making in May 2027?

Founder: 🏃💨✌️

Here's why:

When you ask a founder to put a number to their future earnings, optimism isn't enough to cut it anymore.

There's something about the specificity of a number,

That makes the "to the moon" attitude crumble.

Because founders don't know-

Nobody knows.

And so, to state a number almost necessarily means that you're likely be wrong.

But here's the thing:

If you're a startup founder saying you're building a rocket ship,

Or that your company is a good investment,

Statistics say that you are ALSO likely wrong.

Because most startups fail,

And an extremely small percent will become unicorns.

So, it's time to get over this fear of talking in numbers,

Of calling your shots.

Because forecasting your results is incredibly useful.

If you predict your future to the best of your ability, your ability to get there goes up exponentially:

So just get over this fear of being wrong.

Stop being afraid of predicting your numbers.

-Start hitting them.

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