Plan backwards

Pioneer in the venture capital and private equity fields and co-founder of four transformational private equity firms, Bryan C Cressey opines that we have been taught backwards in many important ways, people can work an entire career without seeing these roadblocks to their achievements, and if you recognise and bust these five myths, you will become far more successful.

- Bryan C Cressey

MYTH 1: Do not work your entire ‘to-do’ list

Do not try to do everything. In fact, do very few things, but accomplish your most important priorities. I have learned by watching our companies’ CEOs that those who allocate their time trying to getting the largest number of tasks accomplished lose.

People who focus on, and complete, their most important priorities…win! They are highly successful. So prioritize aggressively.

If you asked me in January how many priorities I hope to accomplish this year, I would tell you, “Not very many I hope.” But I could tell you the three that would be extremely gratifying that I might possibly achieve this year.

Those who make certain they accomplish their biggest priorities win.

Myth 2: Entrepreneurs work on improving their weaknesses

Contrary to this popular belief, entrepreneurs create value by living their strengths. For example, I am not very organized—I thrive on creating ideas and action—so I have someone else help with organization, while I create new ideas and take action. It works wonderfully! Find teammates who excel in your weak areas—living your strengths is where you improve the world.