Quote from James A.Hart on July 16, 2025, 11:18 pm

In business, it’s easy to fall into the trap of short-term thinking. Many people focus only on today’s numbers, this week’s leads, or how to hit the next monthly target. But treating your career like a game of checkers—where each move is reactive and immediate—often leads to burnout or poor strategic choices.

Instead, think of business like chess.

What Are Your Next Three Moves?

It’s not just about what you’re doing right now. It’s about how that action positions you for the next move, and the move after that. This mindset forces you to zoom out and look at the bigger picture:

• Where do you want to be in 3–5 years?
• What steps will take you there logically?
• Are you currently moving in that direction—or just chasing short-term wins?

Thinking ahead helps you avoid decisions driven by stress, urgency, or dopamine. Instead, you act with intention. You stop asking “What’s working now?” and start asking “What will still matter 3 moves from now?”

The Illusion of Urgency

You’ll often feel like everything is urgent when you’re just getting started. That pressure leads many people to rush through opportunities, overcommit, or chase fast wins without considering their long-term implications. But most of the time, that urgency is artificial.

Yes, you need momentum. But when you build it without a roadmap, you’ll likely end up running in circles.

Build a Long-Term Sequence

A simple framework you can apply today:

1. Define your long-term destination — What does success look like in 10 years?
2. List your next three strategic moves — Think of them as stepping stones, each preparing you for the next.
3. Focus fully on the current move — Don’t multitask. Execute this step well, knowing it will enable the next.

This approach improves decision-making, reduces wasted effort, and keeps your business journey aligned with your bigger vision.

If you treat your business like chess—not checkers—you’ll start thinking like a strategist, not just a hustler.