The 10X Rule

Your potential customers are not as enthusiastic about this project—because they don't even know about it yet. The potential market is likely just starting to wrap its head around the notion. Then, too, there is the possibility of apathy—that there will be no interest whatsoever.

The problem is that the first and most often used calculations always seem to target something other than activity level. This calculator tends to be more emotional than logical; it judges the project, clientele, economy, and individual to be deficient as a means of justifying why things are not working out. This is probably due to all the false content that has been loaded into the calculations by the media, educational system, and our upbringings—excuses like, “the market isn't ready,” “the economy is bad,” “this isn't wanted,” “I'm not cut out for this,” “our targets were unrealistic,” and on and on. But more often than not, it's simply that you just haven't correctly assessed the amount of action necessary. Regardless of the timing, the economy, the product, or how big your venture is, the right acts done to the right degree over time will make you successful.

problem is that the first and most often used calculations always seem to target something other than activity level. This calculator tends to be more emotional than logical; it judges the project, clientele, economy, and individual to be deficient as a means of justifying why things are not working out. This is probably due to all the false content that has been loaded into the calculations by the media, educational system, and our upbringings—excuses like, “the market isn't ready,” “the economy is bad,” “this isn't wanted,” “I'm not cut out for this,” “our targets were unrealistic,” and on and on. But more often than not, it's simply that you just haven't correctly assessed the amount of action necessary. Regardless of the timing, the economy, the product, or how big your venture is, the right acts done to the right degree over time will make you successful.

When people inadequately measure the actions necessary, they inevitably start to rationalize. Mankind seems to have this built-in, automatic calculator whose only purpose is to explain away failure.

The 10X Rule assumes the target is never the problem. Any target attacked with the right actions in the right amounts with persistence is attainable.

10X Rule assumes the target is never the problem. Any target attacked with the right actions in the right amounts with persistence is attainable.

Never reduce a target.

Never reduce a target. Instead, increase actions. When you start rethinking your targets, making up excuses, and letting yourself off the hook, you are giving up on your dreams! These actions should be an indication that you're getting off track—that you should begin thinking in terms of correcting your initial estimation of effort.

This major mistake should never even cross your mind as an option. It sends the wrong message to the organization—that targets are unimportant and the only way to win is to move the finish line. A great manager will push a person to do more at the risk of coming up short, not target less. This idea of changing targets to make everyone feel good will lead to a further weakening of morale, hope, expectations, and skills, and everyone will start assigning reasons—better known as excuses—as to why the team is unable to attain its targets. Never reduce a target. Instead, increase actions. When you start rethinking your targets, making up excuses, and letting yourself off the hook, you are giving up on your dreams! These actions should be an indication that you're getting off track—that you should begin thinking in terms of correcting your initial estimation of effort.

When you miscalculate the efforts you need to make something happen, you become visibly disappointed and discouraged. This causes you to incorrectly identify the problem and sooner or later assume that the target is unattainable and ultimately throw in the towel. Most people's—including managers'—first response is to reduce the target rather than increase their activity. I have watched sales managers in organizations do this for years with sales teams. They give a quota or agree on a target at the beginning of the quarter and then midway through find they are unable to reach the target, so they hold a meeting and reduce the target to some more attainable figure in order for the team to stay motivated and have a chance of winning.