The Mental Barrier of Building for Centuries

Fellow steward,

In 1954, everyone “knew” the four-minute mile was impossible.

Roger Bannister, a 25-year-old medical student and amateur runner, didn't believe them. He broke the barrier and held the world record for exactly 46 days before John Landy broke it again.

Ten years later, breaking the four-minute mile was routine for elite runners.

The barrier wasn't physical. It was mental.

Change your thoughts. Change your world.

I recently discovered a society that exists to prove you can think in centuries.

Les Hénokiens is an international association of family-owned companies that have been in continuous operation for at least 200 years. There are 57 members. Many are over four centuries old.

Most are European and Japanese companies. But here's what matters: they prove it's possible.

Just as elite runners now know a sub-four-minute mile is achievable, you and I can know that building a family business that thrives for centuries is achievable.

You're not alone in this paradox: building for today while building for generations you'll never meet.

I got emotional last week on stage at our company workshop because I’ve been witness to a man, my grandfather, who was building for generations he would never meet. As I look back, it’s as if he built with an approach of borrowing the company from his grandchildren.

Our world needs more businesses that think long-term to see the beauty in the present moment.

I’m grateful to be on this journey with you. 

Onward,
Matt