There Is No Speed Limit

In life, how fast you move can often be a huge advantage and drastically change the outcome. I use to always say, life moves fast, learn to move faster.

In business, this is often a key competitive advantage. Compared to incumbents, startups have way less money, resources, talent, reach, etc... Someone looking to compete against the Apple and Google of the world are not likely going to have an advantage over them when it comes to many things. However, one of the greatest advantages a startup does have that allows them to compete against such entrench giants and in competitive markets, is the speed in which they execute.

Speed is often a vastly underrated asset and when utilized properly, it can act as a force multiplier. And not just in business, but in all aspects of life. Below are just some examples of people who figured out how to move quickly.

Finish High School at 15

Nathan Barry, home schooled by his mother, wanted to finish high school early and did so at 15 years old, three years earlier than the typical high school graduate. Now he's a multi-millionaire founder of ConvertKit.*

Learn to Draw Photorealistically in a Month

Max Deutsch wanted to know if he could learn to draw, and not just draw, but draw photo realistic drawings, in under 30 days with no drawing experience. He did it. He went from complete novice to pro in 26 hours in under a month. See his result:

Complete an Accredited Computer Science Degree in under 3 Months for $5K

This one is insanely wild but is legitimate. Miguel Rochefort managed to do exactly this, earn his degree in record pace. And not just any degree but one of the most in demand degrees out there.

From Zero to Commercial Pilot in 80 Days

This one is apparently a world record! Jiva Ananthan Viseikumaran manage to accomplish an amazing feat not only getting his pilot license (which most people take longer than 80 days to do just their private pilot license), but manages to complete all other certifications and training and absolutely blaze through to becoming a fully certified commercial pilot in record time!

There Is No Speed Limit

While these examples are incredible, there are probably plenty of other stories of amazing feats out there, many of which are achievable by multiple people and not just one-off outliers, that can be done much faster than what most people would have thought possible.

Of course there are also countless stories of billion dollar businesses being built in relatively short amount of time too. None of this is to downplay how some of these things can be difficult. This is only to highlight difficult is relative and that there are no speed limits to what is possible. Simply how fast you are willing to push to learn and get things done. Whatever you hope to accomplish, I challenge you to revisit your assumptions and ask, could it be done quicker. Speed is absolutely an advantage when done right.

*Disclaimer: I know Nathan Barry personally.