Title: If You Want to Build a Solid Business, Don’t Give 100% Daily: Ghazal
As entrepreneurs, we’re often told to strive for perfection and give our best every day. However, Mamaearth Co-founder Ghazal Alagh recently shared a counterintuitive approach to building a successful business. In an interview, she revealed her “85% rule,” which suggests that pushing yourself to give 100% every day can actually be counterproductive.
Ghazal’s statement sent shockwaves through the entrepreneurial community, leaving many wondering what she meant by this seemingly contradictory advice. To understand the context and benefits of this approach, let’s dive deeper into Ghazal’s perspective and explore the implications for entrepreneurs.
The 85% Rule: Why Constantly Pushing for Perfection Can Backfire
According to Ghazal, constantly striving for a perfect 100% every day can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and ultimately, a lack of sustainability. This intense focus on perfection can stem from a desire to achieve immediate results, validate our efforts, or seek external validation. However, this approach can have negative consequences, such as:
- Burnout: Constantly pushing for perfection can lead to mental and physical exhaustion, causing entrepreneurs to lose their motivation and creativity.
- Decreased productivity: When you’re focused on achieving a perfect 100%, you may neglect other essential aspects of your business, leading to decreased productivity and efficiency.
- Lack of sustainability: Building a business that relies on constant 100% effort is not sustainable in the long run. It’s essential to develop strategies that can be maintained over time.
Ghazal’s 85% rule suggests that instead of striving for perfection, entrepreneurs should focus on delivering 85% of their potential every day. This approach allows for:
- Consistency: By setting a realistic goal, entrepreneurs can maintain a consistent level of effort, reducing the risk of burnout and increasing productivity.
- Flexibility: With a more manageable goal, entrepreneurs can adapt to changing circumstances and priorities, ensuring their business remains resilient.
- Innovation: By allowing for some margin of error, entrepreneurs can explore new ideas, take calculated risks, and innovate without stressing about achieving perfection.
Focusing on focused effort and strategic prioritizing
So, how can entrepreneurs apply the 85% rule to their daily routine? Ghazal emphasizes the importance of focused effort and strategic prioritizing:
- Identify your priorities: Determine the most critical tasks that drive your business forward and allocate your time and energy accordingly.
- Set realistic goals: Break down large goals into smaller, achievable tasks, and set realistic targets for each day.
- Focus on the 85%: Concentrate on delivering 85% of your potential every day, leaving some buffer for unexpected challenges or setbacks.
- Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that recharge your batteries, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
- Review and adjust: Regularly review your progress, adjust your priorities, and refine your approach to ensure you’re staying on track.
Conclusion
Ghazal’s 85% rule may seem counterintuitive at first, but it’s a valuable lesson for entrepreneurs seeking to build a sustainable and successful business. By embracing a more realistic approach to daily effort, entrepreneurs can:
- Reduce burnout and maintain productivity
- Develop strategies that can be sustained over time
- Focus on innovation and adaptability
- Prioritize self-care and overall well-being
As Ghazal so aptly put it, “If you’re serious about building a solid business, don’t give your 100% every single day. Instead, focus on delivering 85% of your potential, and you’ll be amazed at the results you can achieve.”
