# The cost of going first By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2022-09-05 Being the first often feels like it has more downside than upside. For example, when negotiating the person who goes first can often be thought of as the loser because the first offer reveals their intention and limits what is possible for them. If you offer to pay $100 for an item, then the seller knows your minimum and can now counter with $150 even if they were willing to part with the item for $50. There are ways to account for this by offering an initial price that is well below what you are willing to pay, but it still reveals your intention, style, and limits. However, progress can't be made unless someone goes first. Giving up the short-term position creates an opportunity for long-term progress. The question is whether you are willing to lead the progress by going first and sacrificing some of your position, or whether the progress isn't worth the cost. Understanding this dynamic can make it easier to be on the edge and lead, but you'll be vulnerable as a part of who you are and what you believe in will be on display. The courage to move forward anyways means you believe in the progress that you want to make. Just be ready for the downside and the burden that comes with leadership. #### Related Items [[Leadership]] [[Courage]] [[Sacrifice]] [[Progress]]