When analyzing a company, it's essential to focus on its trajectory rather than its current state. This long-term perspective helps companies avoid getting stuck in short-term thinking and instead, prioritize growth and improvement. When hiring candidates, evaluating their potential for future growth is crucial, as it determines who will be a better teammate in the long run. Assessing product quality also requires considering the trajectory of improvements, rather than just the current state of the product. Analyzing competitors should focus on their growth rate compared to your own, rather than just their current status. Ultimately, understanding and prioritizing one's trajectory is key to overcoming challenges and achieving success in business.