5 Things Start-ups Can Learn From Tom Brady

Here's what startups can learn from Tom Brady, one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time.

Tom didn't start out his career with a flashy bang.

He was a physical anomaly in the NFL, coming in with lean muscle & an average body shape that left a lot to be desired.

Tom's repute didn't turn much heads either. In the draft of 2000, he was the 199th pick out of 200 (second last). He was recruited to be a fourth-string quarterback with little to no expectations tied with him.

Two decades later, Tom Brady has more accolades than a Jira backlog that's never been groomed.

Record for most championships (7 Super Bowl titles). Record for most won games by a quarterback. Only player to win a Superbowl MVP with different teams. And the list goes on.

How did Brady achieve such dizzying success? Some lessons for startups that are certainly easier said than done:

1- Focused on his game, rather than worry about hype

Brady didn't believe in just showing up. His prep was borderline insane: long hours, strict diet & a customized fitness routine. Regardless of how average people saw him as, it didn't deter him from working hard & improving his game.

Lesson: It doesn't matter how small you start. Rather than worrying about how far ahead others are, focus on your hustle. You might catch up sooner than you think.

2. He accepted limitations & adapted

Brady didn't always have the most skilled teammates on board. However, he learned to adapt his game to accommodate their style of play.

Early in his career, he'd make long passes. Later on, he switched to short, fast passes. Moreover, his mental strength to bear pressure & criticism was unmatched.

Lesson: As a startup, you certainly won't have access to unlimited resources. You'll have to be nimble, adaptable & self-aware. Embrace limitations and play to your strengths.

3. He relished the underdog mentality

Tom Brady liked remaining the underdog to deflate expectations. The dynasty he created with the New England Patriots started out as a bunch of outsiders.

Lesson: Always Under-commit & Overdeliver. Basking in the spotlight for too long can sunburn your focus to keep improving.

4. He understood the importance of the right people on the team

Analysts determined that Tom Brady could have easily earned a lot more in his career if he had negotiated harder.

However, Brady didn't push the salary question because he knew it would allow the Patriots to pursue top players in the league, fueling their chances to keep winning.

Lesson: Sacrifice to get the right people. There is nothing that can trigger a better ROI.

5. He set clear goals

He wanted to win multiple Super Bowls with the Patriots. With Tampa, he wanted to win at least one title which he did. And he wants to play till the age of 45.

Lesson: Aim high but quantify it too. If you can't measure it, you'll likely be lost going in circles. Always know how close or far you are from your goals at any point.