Hustle and Gumption
I’m not sure most people and some entrepreneurs for that matter know what it takes to live the startup life. Startup living is a lifestyle and you need to be hustling 24/7. You better have some gumption and be able to get up off the canvas when you’re down and out.
I’ve always known I was an entrepreneur and have always worked hard. Aside from when I had salmonella poisoning and was out for nearly 2 weeks, I can count the sick days I’ve taken in my life on 2 hands. The truth is, there is no such thing as a sick day for an entrepreneur. There’s also no shutting off.
Maybe it’s just me but I’m always thinking about my business and how I can improve it. I am constantly trying new things, reading and everything I can to up my game. You have to hustle, hustle and then hustle some more. If you like paid vacations and sick days then stick to your 9-5 with benefits.
Being an entrepreneur requires tons of sacrifice and you’ll never stop learning. I can’t believe the difference in myself after running my latest startup for the last 5 months. The lessons learned can’t even be expressed here. From raising money, to idea validation, there’s no better way to learn, then by just doing it.
Putting in your time as they say, is a must. Reading books, blog posts and attending conferences aren’t enough. You need to get out there and hustle. Pitch your idea to everyone you can. Raise some money, hell, go all the way. Getting to third base on a new venture is fine but swing for the fences and don’t give up till you knock it out of the park.
There’s ups and there’s downs, but if you keep grinding it out, you will win. There’s so many people in the startup community that I’d like to thank. If you’re reading this and we have a relationship, you’re probably one of the people I’m talking about.
You’ve taught me well and I plan to use this new found knowledge to win and of course continue to learn. I leave you with one of my favourite quotes “if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything”. I truly believe that, but then again, I’m cursed with optimism.
