Category: perseverance

what the block

The infamous “writer’s block” metaphor is a crappy one.

There are multiple approaches upon encountering a so-called writer’s block, or any other kind of roadblock, for that matter. You can either go around it, go over it, break through it, or stop, quit and call it a day.

Whether it’s writing, running a business, or life in general, obstacles are bound to pop up every single day. Without them, life wouldn’t nearly be as interesting. Obstacles don’t block the path, they are the path, according to a Zen proverb.

Don’t fight against obstacles. Fight with them.

auto-accountability

“I work for myself so I guess I work a boss.” The second bar 2 Chainz raps on “Feel a Way” featuring Brent Faiyaz & Kanye West. The message is obvious — a wholesome and delicate balance between arrogance and self-love. If you’re looking for an earworm or mantra, give it a spin. Is this how affirmation works?

Entrepreneurs work indeed for themselves. Usually, depending on how the entrepreneur is wired, entrepreneurs work for their employees in the first place. Their customers, investors, stakeholders…. probably all come first. Entrepreneurs often put themselves last, even though they’re the first one that has to answer.

Depending on discipline levels, the entrepreneur could either be too lazy, have an ideal work ethic, or work way past the point of crashing. With auto-accountability, meaning you (only) answer to you, finding an optimal level of tough love towards oneself is a lifelong struggle. An interesting and satisfying struggle.

one trick unicorn

Years ago, I rented a massive piece of real estate for a business. Immediately after making the rather substantial commitment (money- and time-wise), the landlord said this: “entrepreneurship is like boxing against a wall. You have to keep boxing until the wall remains in its place.” A clear message, packaged in an unrefined, even slightly unappealing metaphor.

There are hundreds of ways to encourage someone not to give up, some more esoteric than others. We can’t possibly all be the most charismatic, eloquent, and intelligent entrepreneurs. Even incredibly savvy entrepreneurs have made silly mistakes or, worse, failed miserably. Even if you are all those things (more power to you), all the building blocks have to fall in their right place at the right time. Considering those building blocks to be bricks, the above “wall metaphor” regains charm.

If there was ever one skill to master as an entrepreneur, it’s perseverance. If you (I’m looking at you show pony) have but one trick up your sleeve, let it be this: refuse to die (professionally).