The Blueprint to Consistent Success
Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best.
Who quoted it? Reference from 谷歌 is St. Jerome, but on what grounds I will never know. It sounds utterly unlike him. It doesn’t work as anything special sounding in Latin: “Bonum, melior, optimum. Non?quiescat (or perhaps quiescas) priumquam bonum melior et melior optimum.” I will be stunned if anyone succeeds in finding it in his works....
Anyway — it's a good quote.
It reminded me of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, and Tim Duncan.
Exceptional athletes with an impressive number of awards.
How did they achieve greatness on a consistent level?
Let's delve deeper.
Here's Four Ways We (QLA) Can Help:
Consistency
originates from the Latin word "consistentia", which means "standing firm" or "stability." It is derived from the Latin verb "consistere", meaning "to stand together" or "to be in agreement."
Over time, the word evolved through Middle French and Late Latin before entering English in the late 16th century, where it took on the meaning of uniformity, coherence, or reliability.
Today, it is often used to describe a state of regularity or steadiness in behavior, actions, or performance.
Kongo Gumi (578 AD)
Founded in 578 AD by Shigemitsu Kongo, Kongo Gumi was the world’s oldest continuously operating company, lasting an impressive 1,428 years. The company specialized in temple construction and, as late as 2004, derived over 80% of its revenue — more than $60 million— from this sector.
However, Kongo Gumi's long history came to an end due to overwhelming debt. The trouble began in the 1980s during Japan’s financial bubble, fueled by excessive credit and artificially low interest rates. This bubble led to inflated asset prices, with some estimates suggesting that the grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace were worth more than all of California’s real estate combined. Banks, loosening their lending standards, issued loans liberally, and many companies, including Kongo Gumi, accumulated massive debt.
When the bubble burst in 1980s, asset values collapsed, leaving heavily indebted companies struggling. Although Kongo Gumi managed to survive for over 20 more years, it was merely treading water, borrowing to cover interest payments despite low interest rates. Ultimately, its revenues could no longer sustain its debt obligations.
In 2006, Kongo Gumi was forced into liquidation. Despite surviving numerous political crises, wars, natural disasters, and even the Meiji Restoration’s anti-Buddhist campaigns, the company could not withstand the financial strain of its debt.
This case underscores a crucial lesson: excessive debt is perilous.
No entity — whether an individual, company, or government — is immune to the dangers of an unsustainable balance sheet. Even venerable institutions can appear robust while concealing underlying financial instability, as demonstrated by Kongo Gumi’s surprising collapse shortly after being hailed for its resilience.
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Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan’s secret to consistent success can be seen as a masterclass in simplicity, patience, and relentless focus.
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Duncan wasn’t flashy — he didn’t need to be. His career was defined by a near-perfect blend of technical precision and mental fortitude, creating a blueprint for sustained greatness.
At the heart of Duncan’s dominance was his fundamental approach to the game. He honed skills that others might overlook—the bank shot, perfect positioning, and defensive timing. This wasn’t about flash; it was about substance. The kind of substance that grinds down even the most talented opponents over time.
But his success wasn’t just about mechanics. Tim Duncan’s work ethic was legendary, a constant, quiet hum in the background of his career. He kept pushing himself, evolving his game to suit the moment. Whether he was at the peak of his physical powers or adjusting to aging legs, Duncan’s commitment to improvement never wavered.
Here’s a summary of his major achievements:
And there was the mindset—one of humility and focus. Duncan understood the power of playing for something bigger than himself. It wasn’t about individual accolades, but the relentless pursuit of excellence for the team. He didn’t have to be the loudest voice in the room. His leadership was something felt, not heard, and it shaped the San Antonio Spurs into one of the most consistently successful franchises in sports.
As the seasons passed, Duncan adapted. He embraced the transition from young superstar to elder statesman, becoming a mentor, a teacher, and, most importantly, a pillar of consistency. His connection with Gregg Popovich was more than just coach-player; it was a deep partnership built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to winning the right way.
Through it all, mental toughness defined him. In the heat of the playoffs, when everything was on the line, Duncan’s ability to remain composed and execute with precision became his hallmark. Five championships later, it’s clear: Tim Duncan’s success wasn’t some fleeting burst of brilliance. It was a long, deliberate march toward greatness, driven by an unwavering focus on the things that mattered most.
This was Duncan’s secret—relentless, methodical, and timeless.
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One Notable Case Study: The Blueprint to Consistent Success — Johnson & Johnson
Background
Founded in 1886, 强生公司 (J&J) is a multinational healthcare company that has become synonymous with long-term success and consistency. With products ranging from consumer health to pharmaceuticals and medical devices, J&J has maintained steady growth for over a century, weathering economic downturns, evolving markets, and public health crises.
Key Elements of Johnson & Johnson’s Consistent Success
I Diversification
II Commitment to Innovation
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Be Great
- Chris