Cowboy Math was born the moment I realized perfect financial accuracy was slowing my company down.
As a CFO, accuracy was the job. Large financial wins and losses often hinged on getting the numbers right. But in the fast-moving paper converting company I worked for, I discovered something important:
When the numbers are significant, being “close” is often good enough. A fraction here or there doesn’t break the bank, but waiting for perfect clarity can break your momentum.
Over time, this became a core principle in my coaching work.
I call it Cowboy Math.
Cowboy Math is the practice of making educated, provisional decisions when full data isn’t yet available.
It’s a mindset of:
✅Moving forward instead of waiting.
✅Choosing a number instead of getting stuck.
✅Testing, learning, adjusting — quickly.
✅Prioritizing progress over perfection.
Because if we wait for perfect information? The market will leave us behind.
High-performing entrepreneurs have always operated this way:
✔️ Embrace calculated risk.
✔️ Avoid analysis paralysis.
✔️ Take action, course-correct, and keep going.
Some of the best Cowboy Math happens on a whiteboard or even the back of a coffee-shop napkin. And guess what? It works.
My clients move faster. They gain clarity through action. And they reach their goals without “breaking the bank.”
If this resonates, let’s talk strategy. Cowboy Math can move your business forward and help you make faster, smarter decisions.
Coach Keith
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