Ep 303: Growing 10x is EASIER than 2x - for small business owners

We’ve all been taught to play it safe when it comes to business growth: set realistic goals, grow a little at a time, and keep chipping away. But what if that “safe” approach is actually what’s holding you back? What if going BIG—like 10X big—was actually easier than just doubling what you’re doing?

I know, it sounds wild. I thought so too when I first heard psychologist and author Benjamin Hardy talk about it. He shared this quote by Robert Brault that really hit me:
"We are kept from our goal not by obstacles, but by the clear path to the lesser goal."

That stopped me in my tracks. Because so often in business, especially early on, we’re busy chasing all the clear, reasonable next steps—grow your Instagram, launch a podcast, post on YouTube, go to networking events, say yes to every coffee chat. And while none of those things are bad, they’re often not what’s going to actually get you where you want to go.

The truth? We’re not lacking drive—we’re just lacking ruthless focus.

Hardy talks about narrowing in on the top 10% of things that actually move the needle toward your true goals—and eliminating the other 90% that keep you stuck in busy work. It sounds scary, right? But that kind of focus is what leads to exponential growth instead of tiny steps forward.

So let me ask you:
What are you really optimizing for?
Freedom? Flexibility? Financial stability? Creative joy? Impact?

Once you’re clear on your true goal, take a hard look at all the things you’re doing in your business. Are they moving you toward that goal—or just keeping you “productive”?

Even Steve Jobs had to let go of what was working (the iPod) to make space for what could be game-changing (the iPhone). And that kind of bravery is what we need too—being willing to walk away from the things that are working okay… to pursue what could work incredibly well.

If you’re in the early stages of your business, this idea can be so freeing. You don’t need to do everything. You can go all in on one thing that aligns with your vision and build from there.

Trying to 10X your business forces you to think differently. To focus. To stop chasing shiny things. And ironically, that clarity makes it easier to grow—not harder.

So here’s the question I want you to wrestle with today:
If you were going to 10X your business, what would you stop doing first?