Begin with the end in mind — plan like a grandmaster
Layout = Define the Endgame → Reverse-Engineer Key Resources → Execute in the Present
Begin with the End in Mind: Clearly visualize your ultimate goal before taking a single step.
5 Key Resources: People (team & mentors), Tasks (milestones), Things (tools & tech), Space (market position), Time (the window of opportunity).
Reverse-Engineer: Work backward from the endgame to identify what you need to acquire now.
The Trend (The Wind): Find the powerful tailwind that will make your layout work — timing is everything.
Son defined his endgame first (China's internet will explode, e-commerce will be the biggest opportunity) → reverse-engineered his map (needed a platform + a visionary founder) → met Jack Ma → confirmed in 6 minutes → $20M for 30%+ stake