My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Time-bounded Recovery Framework
A self-imposed time limit for processing and recovering from failures, losses, or setbacks before you must take action to move forward
Decision Rule
Major life event = 12 weeks to feel impact but still function; business failure = 2-3 months; breakup = proportional to relationship length; then you must actively work on recovery
How It Works
Prevents getting stuck in extended periods of non-productivity where skills atrophy and confidence erodes; forces movement even when you don't feel ready
Failure Modes
Setting too short a timeline that doesn't allow proper processing
Not actually taking action when the timeline expires
Being too rigid and not adjusting for truly exceptional circumstances
Using it to avoid dealing with underlying issues that require professional help
Example Decision
“After a startup fails, allow yourself 2 months to process disappointment and guilt, but by month 3, force yourself to start networking, applying for jobs, or planning the next venture, even if you don't feel ready.”