Most outsized successes are in the long tails.
Think of a bell curve graph. Now add a long, long diminishing line on the right side of the curve. That’s a long tail. That’s the longevity and success that comes over a long period at the end of time.
What happens in the long tail? Longevity. So much of success, especially the big, outsized successes, is simply outlasting. Simply stay in the game longer than all the other competitors and you win. You win automatically because you’re the only one who is still there. How easy is that?!
Well, it’s not really that easy. Before you can be the only one left, you have to take a lot of shots, sometimes throughout a very, very long game. You also have to make enough shots to still be in the game. But if you meet those two minimums, your chances of outsized success increase dramatically.
What’s the key to staying in the game for the long tail? Choose the shots that come with higher chances of success. Take more shots, sure, but make sure you take your time and do your best work on those that have the greatest chance of going in. This increases the ROI on the shots you make, which increases your score, which keeps you alive a little longer, until eventually, no one is left.
Success is simple (not easy)…take good shots, make enough to stay alive, and ride the long tail.
Want these blog posts delivered straight to your inbox each week? Click here to subscribe.
Follow us on social media at the links below.
