"Most people overestimate what they can achieve in a year and underestimate what they can achieve in ten years." - Bill Gates
Do you suffer from starting things in a blaze of glory, only to peter out after a short period? I do, and if you do too, I highly suggest becoming a 10 year thinker. Here's why:
It's more realistic - filtering your goals to things you can only imagine doing for 10 years is a great "BS" filter. It is a healthy check and balance against the zeal and infatuation that so often accompany a new idea. It forces you to get serious about what is really important and repeatable through all seasons of life. If that feels boring...you're probably on the right track. Almost all important things have to endure long, mundane, and often underappreciated times.
More time logged = more chances for serendipity - on the brighter side, doing something for 10 years creates much more surface area for magic to happen. You can't force serendipity to take place, but you can increase its odds by giving it a much wider landing zone. Consistenly working at something for a decade means many more seasons for butterflies to find your garden, and land in it.
We humans are not good long term thinkers - it's hard for humans to delay gratification, let alone do something that might not pay off immediately, if ever. Being a 10 year thinker helps us square up to this fact, and provides us a structure that helps us overcome the natural tendency to give up early, or worse yet not even start.
Why is this important for me? Do things you love so much you will do them for 10 years, when no one is watching, and even if at times no one appreciates them other than you. If you do this you'll be giving the world your unique gifts, and you'll out kick the competition by virtue of your long term commitment.
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