The Intention Paradox
Be intentional. It’s a mantra that feels like common sense—but when short-term wins dangle within reach, it’s the first thing to slip, sacrificing the foundation for lasting growth.
Startups know they should be intentional. But most aren’t. Why?
Because intentionality demands patience. It feels slow. And most startups are wired to glorify speed. They’re chasing the next milestone. The next funding round. The next big launch. Moving fast and breaking things is sexy. Being deliberate isn’t.
The reality? Chasing speed now often means sacrificing the foundation for lasting success.
Rushing to market with a half-baked brand? You’ll spend years rebuilding it. Fixating on vanity metrics? You’ll miss building real customer relationships. Prioritizing growth over purpose? You’ll grow right into irrelevance.
Being intentional has a cost. It might mean missing that expo, flat revenue for a few months, or saying no to opportunistic partnerships. It feels like falling behind. But you’re building a foundation while others are building sandcastles.
The most successful companies aren’t the fastest out of the gate. They’re the ones with staying power.
Remember: The tortoise beats the hare—not with speed, but with purpose.
