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My First Million

My First Million

The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.

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Risk Perception Changes with Experience

Experienced entrepreneurs perceive less risk in activities they've done repeatedly, while others see the same activities as highly risky

Decision Rule

When evaluating 'risky' opportunities, ask whether your risk assessment is based on inexperience or genuine danger

How It Works

Repeated exposure to business acquisition, deal-making, or specific industries creates pattern recognition that reduces perceived uncertainty

Failure Modes

Overconfidence from past success in different contexts

Dismissing legitimate new risks due to familiarity bias

Assuming others share your risk tolerance

Example Decision

Experienced acquirer sees buying 10 magazines for $5M as low-risk because they know the value unlock playbook, while first-time buyer sees it as extremely risky