Why Do Nice Guys Always Finish First
Would you rather be really happy or really intelligent? How does Richard Branson run over 40 companies?
The internet is flooded with noise and negativity. I focus on positive stories that make me a better human being and professional. 7,000+ founders and CXOs read 3 short stories from me every Sunday.
Here are this weeks insights:
Would you rather be really happy but not intelligent or really intelligent but not happy?
Why do nice guys always finish first?
How does Richard Branson run over 40 companies?
You can find all past editions here. Let’s dive in 👇
(1) Would you rather be really happy but not intelligent or really intelligent but not happy?
I was listening to Susan Polgar, the first woman to break into the male-dominated world of competitive chess, answer this exact question.
“There is no such thing as constant happiness. People think happiness is lying on a beach sipping piña coladas. That's nice, but that’s not where happiness comes from.”
She said happiness is not about escaping effort.
It’s about embracing the journey—including the setbacks, the struggles, and everything you go through to get to your goal.
“Happiness is when you wake up ready to take on the challenge.”
The happiest people she’s seen aren’t chasing comfort. They’re constantly setting new challenges that make them feel alive.
They find work that doesn’t feel like work.
Something that feels like adventure.
Like research.
Like a mission.
“Work is something you do when you don’t have a choice.
The goal is to find work that doesn’t feel like work.”
Some people are lucky to find it early.
Some discover it later.
It’s harder when life fills up with responsibilities.
When survival takes precedence over exploration.
But if you can dedicate the time to do what you love
Even in small doses
You can keep finding happiness.
Takeaways:
Happiness doesn’t come from escaping effort. It comes from embracing the challenge.
Your best life begins when your work starts to feel like play.
It’s never too late to find what doesn’t feel like work. But it requires time, courage, and curiosity.
(2) Why do nice guys always finish first?
Because they’re kind.
Because they believe in karma.
And because they’re not racing against anyone else’s clock.
Winning isn’t how much money you have.
It’s how peacefully you sleep at night.
The only time I tried to get rich quick was during COVID.
I took big, uncalculated bets on stocks—risking a decade’s worth of savings.
The result?
I couldn’t sleep.
I was anxious all day.
It sucked.
I exited with a small loss and made myself a promise:
Stick to what I know—building businesses with people I like and admire over the long haul—and I'll get what I deserve.
I let the compounding of my money to professionals from Marcellus Investment Managers.
A**holes might win short-term.
But they create negativity, paranoia, and stress.
So don’t be one.
It’s not worth it.
Be nice.
Do hard things with a smile.
And if you sleep like a baby at night—you’re already winning.
Takeaways:
Don’t trade peace of mind for a quick win.
If your decisions cost you sleep, they’re too expensive—no matter the return.
Stick to your lane and play the long game.
Do the hard work, with people you admire. Let compounding do the rest.
Being nice is a competitive advantage.
In a world chasing shortcuts, kindness is rare—and it pays in trust, reputation, and inner peace.
(3) How does Richard Branson run over 40 companies?
That’s what a group of entrepreneurs once asked him during a gathering on Necker Island.
They expected a time management hack. A special system. Maybe even a secret team.
Branson said:
“I work out. It adds four hours to my day.”
That’s it. No app. No hack. Just a consistent habit.
I think about that every time I feel like being lazy.
Do I want to be Super-Harsh or Average-Harsh today?
Because the truth is—when I move, I lead better. I think clearer. I get more done. It’s like my brain gets upgraded with every rep.
Takeaways:
Prioritize movement—daily.
Every time I go for a run, hit the gym, or even walk, I feel sharper. The hardest part is starting. But once you do it for 7 days straight, it becomes addictive. It’s not about body goals. It’s about showing up for yourself.Make it “me” time.
Some of my best ideas for iDeals and Happy Ratio came mid-run. Or right after a workout. That’s not a coincidence. When my body moves, my mind opens up. It's the best thinking space I have.Don’t separate physical and mental energy.
You want more energy, better focus, more leadership presence? Move. We talk about personal growth and business performance as if they’re separate. They’re not. A strong body makes for a sharper mind.
That’s me walking the talk. I was supercharged after this run for the rest of the day.
👋 I’m Harsh. I build businesses and write about what makes me a better human being and professional. Every Sunday, I share 3 short stories with 7,000+ founders and CXOs. If you’re curious about what I’m building, here’s where I spend most of my time:
Ideals VDR - We help professionals to collaborate over sensitive data and run critical business transactions, such as M&A, smoothly. I have been doing this for 17+ years.
Happy Ratio - Delicious, nutritious foods and drinks designed for busy lives. No fuss, just health made simple. I have been doing this 5+ years.
Marcellus Investment Managers - Where my personal investments grow. Their philosophy of investing in clean, honest, cash flow-positive businesses aligns with my approach. I have been with them for 5+ years.
Harsh Batra (LinkedIn)