One of the key challenges that most of us founders face is being an eternal optimist. Building a startup is no less than building a life and family. It requires lots of optimism. The everyday grunt to keep stakeholders happy is not easy.
It’s like the world is crashing on you. Your family life is at a crossroads. It’s been months since you met your parents andtook your wife out for a quiet dinner date. People who are selling you the gospel of work-life balance are making a fool of you and your team.
You should know what you are getting into. From missing many birthdays of loved ones to festivals with families. It’s the optimism fueled with obsession that will take you long. The issues of employees leaving, customers leaving, or investors shoving your butt for growth are all part and parcel of this journey.
I have seen many giving up too soon, many losing their mind, and a few growing old too soon. Many others got into yoga, running, and some into psychedelics. But in short, building a startup is not easy; you should know what you are getting into.
The only thing that will take you long is your optimism, like a shield protecting you against all the odds.