Getting Punched in the Face Taught Me How to Build a Business

I used to box. I’d show up at the gym every day and pretty much get my face rearranged on a regular basis. I broke my nose, cracked my jaw, dislocated my wrist. What did that teach me? Not to get hit. And when I did hit. To hit properly.

Something I certainly learned was that the best fighters aren't the ones always throwing the most punches. They're the ones who know when not to throw.

There was this guy at the gym, Danny. Built like a truck. Could throw combinations that would rattle your brain. Needless to say, I didn’t like going into the ring with him. But I figured something out. If I could somehow avoid him for three rounds he’d gas himself out. And then I could pick him off however I liked. I just had to outlast him.

I see founders doing the Danny thing all the time now. Throwing everything they've got. Every marketing channel. Every product idea. Every growth tactic they read about on Twitter.

And they're completely gassed out in a few months wondering what the hell happened.

Here's the thing. The strategic move isn't always about taking action. Sometimes it's about watching. Letting the market take its swings. Seeing what actually connects. Then responding with something that matters.

Most people think activity equals progress. But activity is just you flailing around unless you actually know what you're aiming at.

If you're exhausted right now and can't figure out why, you might just be throwing too many punches that aren't landing anywhere that matters.

What would happen if you threw half as many, but actually picked your shots?