What does it mean to play the long game?
Sources:
Playing the long game refers to making decisions with a focus on long-term benefits rather than immediate gains, often involving strategic thinking and delayed gratification. Here’s how experts have described it:
-
Value of Delayed Gratification: in an interview with on the , describes playing the long game as measuring success over a longer time horizon. Hormozi views it as a practical strategy where initial sacrifices or 'loss leaders' lead to greater returns in the future, comparing it to giving something valuable to others first, and receiving more in return eventually 1.
-
Strategic Patience in Business: In a conversation on the , emphasizes the need for being strategic and patient. He discusses the importance of not going for immediate ‘wins’, but rather building groundwork that yields results over years, which he believes can lead to outsized success 2.
-
Influence and Reputation: on the stresses playing the long game in diverse life aspects like reputation, money, and relationships. He correlates long-term thinking with faith and an optimistic view about the future 3.
Each expert highlights that while the long game may require more upfront investment, time, and effort, it results in more substantial, more sustainable rewards in the long run.
RELATED QUESTIONS-
