The Millionaire’s Secret: Why the Long Game Is the Only Game That Matters

Why Short-Term Thinking Is Holding You Back (and What to Do Instead)

Greetings fellow Evolutionaries,

It’s a privilege to be sharing this significant moment in history together. So much amazing things are happening all over the universe.

Our modern cultures have become obsessed with short-term wins and instant gratification.

Whether it’s chasing likes on social media, jumping from one business trend to the next, or seeking immediate returns on investments, this short-sighted focus keeps people stuck in cycles of disappointment. 

The truth is, building anything meaningful—whether it's wealth, business, or a fulfilling life—requires long-term thinking.

The wealthy understand that success isn't achieved overnight but is a result of consistent, intentional efforts that play out over decades, even generations.

Did you know that 85% of millionaires are self-made and the majority of them credit their success to long-term planning and patient execution? This further proves that wealth and success are a result of deliberate, long-term actions. 

The Modern Problem: Short-Term Thinking

With technology at our fingertips, we can order food, stream movies, and even build businesses faster than ever before. However, the downside to this convenience is that many of us have lost patience. We expect results now. But true success doesn't work that way.

Think about it: How often do we sacrifice long-term gains for a quick win?

We switch strategies the moment we don’t see immediate progress, abandon projects when it gets tough, or chase trends in hopes of striking gold. But the truth is, overnight success is a myth.

Falling in Love with the Process

The real secret that millionaires and successful people understand is the beauty of the long game.

They aren’t in a rush to make quick wins because they’ve fallen in love with the process. They understand that success isn’t a destination but a journey. A path that requires patience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to long-term growth.

The magic happens when you fall in love with the daily actions—the work, the habits, the incremental improvements.

As American entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk says, “The process is my true love. The journey is my oxygen.”

Falling in love with the process, rather than the outcome, makes the long game not only bearable but deeply fulfilling.

The Long Game in Action

A fascinating example comes from Japan, where business leaders plan not just for their own lifetimes but for 100+ years into the future.

Some of the world’s oldest companies, such as Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan (founded in 705 AD), operate with this mindset. These businesses have survived for centuries because they prioritize longevity over short-term profits. Their secret lies in understanding that success is a marathon, not a sprint.

In fact, Japan has over 33,000 businesses that are over 100 years old, proving the power of long-term thinking in creating sustained success.

Another example comes from indigenous cultures, particularly Native American communities, who have a philosophy called the "Seven Generations" principle.

Most indigenous people consider the well being of descendants seven generations into the future. These communities create systems that endure, ensuring the land, resources, and culture are preserved for future generations.

We should think with a similar mindset. 

Why the Long Game Wins

Here are a few key reasons why long-term thinking is essential:

Compounding: Whether in wealth or wisdom, compounding is the real secret to exponential growth. The longer you play the game, the more your assets, skills, and relationships compound.

Resilience: Playing the long game builds resilience. Instead of chasing immediate gratification, you develop the mental toughness to navigate setbacks and challenges.

Sustainability: Just like indigenous people or Japanese businesses, when you think in decades, you make choices that are sustainable for the long haul, avoiding burnout or short-term failures.

Legacy: Long-term thinking shifts your focus from just personal success to creating a legacy that outlasts you. This is what differentiates leaders, visionaries, and high achievers.

Steps to Mastering the Long Game

Set 10+ Year Goals: Think about where you want to be a decade from now and align your daily actions with that vision. A decade should be the bare minimum.

Delay Gratification: Practice patience and avoid the temptation of quick wins that compromise long-term success.

Think Generationally: Whether in business or personal life, make decisions that will benefit not just you but future generations.

Stay Consistent: Small, consistent actions over time lead to massive results. Stay the course even when progress feels slow. Especially when progress feels slow.

A Quote to ponder:

"It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end." – Ursula K. Le Guin

Final Thoughts

The long game is the only game that matters if you want to create lasting success and a meaningful life. 

Plan for the future, take consistent action, and always consider the bigger picture.

Ask yourself, what small actions can you take today that will make a huge difference ten years from now? 

Stay inspired and stay evolving.

-David

P.S. Have a topic you’d like me to cover in a future newsletter? Hit reply and let me know!

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