Stop Using Industry Standards If You Want to Win | Ep 948 - The Game with Alex Hormozi Recap

Podcast: The Game with Alex Hormozi

Published: 2026-02-18

Duration: 18 min

Summary

Alex Hormozi argues that relying on industry standards limits business potential and advocates for setting higher personal standards to drive success. He emphasizes the importance of challenging the status quo in various aspects of business and life.

What Happened

In this episode, Alex Hormozi shares his journey to becoming a leader in multiple industries, including breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest-selling nonfiction book. He reflects on the limitations of adhering to industry standards and how this mindset can hinder growth. During a meeting with a $500 million company, Hormozi confronted a leader who repeatedly defended their average performance by citing industry standards, prompting him to question whether aiming for average is truly sufficient in business.

Hormozi stresses that business leaders must set the bar higher, stating, "You are the standard setter. It is the highest and most important job in the company." He argues that average outcomes are simply the result of accepting mediocrity and that successful companies thrive on challenging themselves beyond industry norms. By sharing personal anecdotes and examples from his portfolio companies, he illustrates the impact of setting ambitious targets, such as hiring more sales representatives in a shorter time frame to maximize profits.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

How did Alex Hormozi break the world record for book sales?

Hormozi launched his book with a strategy that generated $106 million in a weekend, showcasing his ability to exceed typical market expectations. His success is attributed to a deep understanding of what it takes to capture audience attention and drive sales effectively.

What does Alex Hormozi think about average performance in business?

Hormozi believes that average performance is not enough to succeed in business. He argues that settling for industry standards equates to mediocrity, which is unacceptable for those aiming for exceptional outcomes. He emphasizes the need for leaders to set higher standards and pursue excellence.

Why is setting higher standards important in business?

Setting higher standards is crucial because it drives innovation and improvement. Hormozi points out that the average business tends to struggle, and by setting higher expectations, companies can unlock greater potential and achieve outstanding results.

How can leaders challenge the status quo in their companies?

Leaders can challenge the status quo by questioning existing processes and pushing for more aggressive goals. Hormozi shares examples of how he encourages his team to rethink their strategies and approach problems from different angles to find better solutions.

What role does discipline play in achieving profit?

Discipline is essential for maintaining profit in a business. Hormozi recounts advice from a billionaire mentor who explained that without discipline, businesses tend to overspend as profits grow. Maintaining a strict focus on efficiency and customer service without increasing headcount can lead to sustainable profit growth.