In the fast-moving world of entrepreneurship, short-term thinking can feel like a survival tactic. After all, it’s tempting to grab the fastest solution, the quickest hire, or the most impressive-sounding opportunity.
In the fast-moving world of entrepreneurship, short-term thinking can feel like a survival tactic. After all, it’s tempting to grab the fastest solution, the quickest hire, or the most impressive-sounding opportunity. But over time, those choices can lead to instability, missed potential, and even burnout. If you’re trying to build a business that lasts, the real power lies in thinking beyond today—and planting seeds for long-term success.
At my company, Jotform, we invest time and resources into our internship program. From day one, our interns go through serious training, are paired with experienced staff, and work on real projects. It’s not the easiest or quickest route—we could simply hire seasoned professionals. But investing in talent early often pays off in powerful ways. Many of our top employees started out as interns. We saw their potential and nurtured it instead of chasing a short-term hire that might not have lasted. That’s the difference between growing a team and simply filling a seat.
This applies to almost every area of business. Sustainable growth, patient leadership, and strategic investment in people and ideas may take longer—but they create real momentum. Too many leaders get caught up chasing short-term gains, from flashy partnerships to outside funding that promises quick returns. But when you zoom out, these shortcuts can end up becoming roadblocks.
Take the story of Theranos, the startup that once reached a $9 billion valuation before imploding in scandal. The company was propped up by hype, not sustainable progress. The pressure to deliver immediate results led to a complete breakdown in integrity, product development, and trust. While Theranos is an extreme case, it shows how the desire for fast success can create a dangerous illusion of progress.
I’ve always believed in bootstrapping over external funding, and for good reason. When you grow organically, you’re free to focus on what really matters: refining your product, listening to customers, and building resilience. It might not be glamorous, but it’s real—and it lasts.
Another challenge entrepreneurs face is the scarcity mindset. This thinking stems from fear—fear of not having enough time, money, or resources. When you’re constantly worried about running out, your decision-making becomes reactive. You focus only on what’s urgent, not what’s important. Research from Princeton and Harvard shows that limited resources narrow our mental bandwidth. That tunnel vision pushes us toward short-term goals while long-term strategies get neglected.
To shift this mindset, start practicing abundance. Focus on what you do have: time, creativity, independence. If you’re a bootstrapped founder, you have the luxury of trying, failing, and improving without outside pressure. Start small. Pick one area where fear or scarcity is affecting your choices, and reframe it. Over time, that single shift can change how you lead and innovate.
Finally, consider how you relate to your future self. It’s easy to make decisions based on what feels good now, especially when the future seems vague or far away. But those who develop “self-continuity”—the ability to empathize with and plan for their future selves—are more likely to make smart, lasting decisions.
Try this: Imagine a conversation with your future self. Ask them what you’ll be proud of ten years from now. What would they tell you to focus on today? This simple exercise can make long-term goals feel more real and guide your choices in the present.
In the end, building something meaningful doesn’t come from rushing, reacting, or seeking quick wins. It comes from steady progress, thoughtful decisions, and the courage to bet on the future. By rejecting short-term thinking and committing to long-term success, you create a business—and a life—with purpose, clarity, and staying power.
Business News
After 25 years, the U.S. will welcome a brand-new, large-scale theme park, as Universal's Epic Universe is set to open its gates on May 22, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
By MICAH ZIMMERMAN
Starting a Business
Hilary Hoffman’s journey from a side hustle to a thriving $10K-a-month business didn’t involve flashy marketing or public attention.
By MICAH ZIMMERMAN
Growing a Business
