Compound Your Success by Playing Long-Term Games

Maria and Javier became friends in their first semester at college. They worked on group projects, then side research, and eventually launched a nonprofit together. By year five, they trusted each other so completely that minor disagreements felt like speed bumps, not roadblocks. A phone pinged at midnight—an idea sparked—and one would always pick up without worry.

Their success wasn’t because they were both brilliant; it was because they played a long-term game. Each small contribution compounded. When Javier opened doors to funders, Maria delivered on promises. When Maria hit writer’s block, Javier coached. Their reputations intertwined, creating a positive-sum loop where trust generated new opportunities.

Behavioral economics calls this “relationship capital.” Just as compound interest multiplies savings, sustained partnerships multiply results in wealth, knowledge, and wellbeing. You don’t have to chase dozens of allies—choosing one relationship to go deep can yield outsized rewards.

Scientific studies on social networks show that strong ties, maintained over time, produce far greater returns than many weak ones. By sticking with trusted partners, you avoid recurring trust-building costs and unlock higher-quality collaborations.

First, choose one person you want as a long-term partner, whether for business or personal growth. Next, set clear shared goals and commit to regular check-ins. Finally, put an annual reminder on your calendar to review progress together and adjust your collaboration. Start today by reaching out and scheduling your first conversation.