Acknowledging The Dark Side Of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship has a very dark side. People know about it, most can’t comprehend it. Entrepreneurs know about it, most can’t avoid it.
I’ve spent some days thinking about some very successful entrepreneurs that I know who’ve overcome multiple cycles of depression, anxiety, loss of self but are successful in the long term.
How do they do it? How do I avoid the dark places? How do I prepare for it? What are the trade-offs of huge success?
Haters will come. Some friends will be critics. Entrepreneurs will get into trouble.
Entrepreneurship is about pushing boundaries and that usually means operating in the grey. Someone has to lose for you to succeed, it could be your competitors, shareholders, stakeholders, relationships or yourself (personality).
I’ve studied some very successful entrepreneurs hoping to find some answers. Ho Kwon Ping was one of them. He was always vocal and a critic, never afraid to express his ideas and criticisms. He went to jail, twice. He’s been through depression and anxiety problems. You can also tell that he, like Politicians, look aged — which is an expression of the stress and hardships occurred during their time riding horseback of their journey towards success.
I’m known to be clear in my direction and steadfast in making them. I’m fortunate to know what I want in life at my current age and with huge aspirations, my current modus operandi does not let me realise its potential. Albeit always progressing and taking new leaps everyday, Ive come to realise that there is a ceiling to reach my big goals with my current peak mindset — which I call the capacity for success.
I’ve unlocked a new capacity after introspecting and deliberating with myself. I found the new drive and energy. A new modus operandi. The risks are bigger, the actions are bolder and the willpower is stronger.
PS I’m just penning down whatever that comes to mind.
