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Learn and Earn Series - JULY Your 5-Year Plan is Thinking Too Small. Try a 150-Year Plan. ⏳ In business, we're obsessed with short-term metrics: quarterly earnings, annual growth, 5-year plans. 📈 But the most lasting companies are built on a much longer timeline. There's an ancient principle from the Iroquois people called the "7th Generation Principle." It's simple but profound: every decision we make today should be considered for its IMPACT on the people living seven generations from now (roughly 150 years). 🌱 This isn't just for environmental policy. It's a powerful strategic tool for your business. 🛠️ Here’s how to apply it: 1. On Company Culture & Values: 🤝 Short-Term Thinking: "Let's hire this brilliant but toxic 'rockstar' developer to ship this feature faster." 7th Generation Thinking: "What is the DNA of the company we're building? 🧬 If we tolerate toxicity for short-term gain, we set a precedent. The values we implant today will outlive us all." The Indian Example: The Tata Group. The values of community trust and nation-building set by Jamsetji Tata over a century ago still define their actions and brand today. That’s a 7th generation decision. 2. On Technology & Product Choices: 💻 Short-Term Thinking: "Let's use this proprietary, closed-source tech because it's slightly faster to implement right now." 🔒 7th Generation Thinking: "Will this lock in future developers, or empower them? Should we build on an open standard that allows for innovation for decades to come?" 🌐 The Indian Example: The UPI stack. It was built as an open digital public good. This decision ensures that for generations, new companies can innovate on top of it. 3. On Your Business Model: 📊 Short-Term Thinking: "Let's use this 'dark pattern' in our app to trick users into a subscription, boosting this quarter's numbers." 😠 7th Generation Thinking: "What is the foundation of our relationship with our customers? Is it built on trust or tricks? A business built on trust can last for generations." ✅ Your Action Plan: 📝 You don't need to do this for every small decision. But once a quarter, pick one major strategic choice and ask your team: "How will this decision impact the world and our company 150 years from now?" 🤔 It forces you to stop thinking about just profit and start thinking about your LEGACY. ✨