My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
You cannot simultaneously be in the top 1% of income earners and maintain work-life balance - these goals are fundamentally incompatible
The Reasoning
Top 1% income ($750K+) requires competing against the most driven people in the world who are willing to sacrifice balance; if you're not willing to make that sacrifice, someone else will and they'll get the position/opportunity
What Needs to Be True
- High-paying positions are zero-sum competitive
- Time and energy are finite resources
- Success requires sustained intense effort over years
- Most people overestimate their ability to 'have it all'
Counterargument
Some people are naturally more efficient or talented and can achieve top outcomes with less time investment; technology and delegation can create leverage
What Would Change This View
Evidence of significant numbers of people achieving top 1% incomes while maintaining true work-life balance, not just isolated cases or people with inherited advantages
Implications for Builders
Be honest about income expectations vs lifestyle preferences
Choose your sacrifice period strategically (do it young)
Don't expect to compete with people willing to work 80-hour weeks if you work 40
Consider whether top 1% income is actually necessary for your happiness
Example Application
“A 28-year-old consultant must choose between pursuing partner track (requiring 70+ hour weeks for 8+ years) or accepting slower career progression to maintain relationships and hobbies.”