Name: The Resilient Founder
Author: Mahendra Ramsinghani

What’s in it for me? Protect your mental health.

Have you ever wondered what sets successful founders and entrepreneurs apart from the rest? Or why some individuals thrive in the demanding world of startups, while others struggle to cope with the pressure?

The journey of building a business is like a roller-coaster ride, filled with highs of success and lows of debt and setbacks. And while the qualities that drive founders' success are admirable, they can also become double-edged swords, leading to burnout, constant mental activity, and self-doubt.

In this Blink to Mahendra Ramsinghani’s The Resilient Founder, you’ll embark on a journey that explores the inner struggles and challenges faced by entrepreneurs as they navigate the unpredictable waters of entrepreneurship. Along the way, you’ll discover the psychological aspects that define successful founders, and gain valuable insights into managing the pressures they encounter.

As a founder, your greatest resource is your mindset

According to the ex-entrepreneur and now-VC Ben Horowitz, there’s one skill that all founders need to perfect. And this skill, you might be surprised to learn, has nothing to do with leading a team, selling others on your ideas, or coming up with killer products. No, the most crucial skill a founder can master is that of managing their own psychology.

That’s because if you’re a founder or an entrepreneur, your greatest strengths are likely also your greatest weaknesses. The qualities that make you successful – your creativity, drive, and relentlessness – can also lead you straight to burnout. To thrive in the kind of high-pressure environments they gravitate toward, founders must learn to maintain mental equilibrium despite the numerous stressors and obstacles they encounter.

If you’ve been in the game for a while, you know that entrepreneurship is a roller-coaster ride. You need to develop a resilient mindset, to cope with the highs and the lows. So, how do you do that?

One effective strategy is shifting focus from solely chasing outcomes to embracing and enjoying the entire process. By immersing yourself in the journey and appreciating the incremental progress, you can find fulfillment and satisfaction in your day-to-day efforts. This approach not only reduces the pressure to achieve immediate results but also helps you stay motivated during inevitable setbacks.

While external validation and success are essential, relying solely on external sources for motivation can be dangerous. Make sure to come back to what intrinsically motivates you. Your intrinsic motivators might be personal growth, the positive impact you have on your team and customers, or the joy of bringing ideas to life. These rewards can serve as a steady source of inspiration and fuel resilience in the face of challenges.

Also, get to know your emotions, stress triggers, and mental states. This will allow you to address issues before they escalate. Practicing mindfulness and regular introspection can help you stay grounded and prevent your creative spark from manifesting as doubt and anxiety. By acknowledging vulnerabilities and seeking support when needed, you can maintain your mental well-being and make better decisions for your business.

While your entrepreneurial journey may be full of uncertainty and risk, a strong support network can be a reliable constant. Surround yourself with a community of like-minded individuals, mentors, or advisors who can offer encouragement, advice, and shared experiences. Your support system can provide a safe space where you can discuss challenges and stop you from feeling isolated in your struggles.

Get to know your unique Psychological Quotient

So, you know now that managing your psychology is crucial to maintaining resilience and equilibrium. But let’s take a deeper dive into how your psychology actually operates. Just as IQ, or intelligence quotient, and EQ, or emotional quotient are crucial to understanding your capabilities, you need to get acquainted with your PsyQ, your psychological quotient, which provides an insight into your own unique psychology.

Entrepreneurs often share common psychological traits that contribute to their success. They possess confidence, optimism, and a spirit of adventure. They also share similar psychological stressors, due to the nature of their work – think depression and burnout. Learning to understand and articulate the various forms of psychological stress that you may face will enable you to both identify and address issues before they get out of hand.

Seeking therapy isn’t a sign of weakness

As we’ve already discussed, self-awareness is a vital skill for any founder or entrepreneur. In fact, more than a mere skill, it might well be a superpower. When you have the self-awareness to be in touch with your emotions, stress triggers, and mental states, you can address challenges proactively. When you have the self-awareness to understand the interplay between your superego, ego, and id, you’re able to bring these three powerful forces into alignment to drive great outcomes, personally, and professionally.

There are all kinds of paths that lead to self-awareness. But there’s one path that, in many cases, will get you to that destination a lot faster than any of the other routes on offer: therapy.

Build a toolkit for troubleshooting stress

Let’s finish up by discussing some practical strategies for maintaining resilience, self-awareness, and reliance – even in the chaotic environment of startup culture.

Take time for your own self-care. When you take care of your own needs, you’re also better equipped to support the needs of your team. If you openly emphasize the significance of self-care you lead by example, creating a healthier work culture that values employee well-being.

Key ideas in The Resilient Founder

About the Author

Mahendra Ramsinghani is the founder of the cybersecurity seed fund, Secure Octane, and former director of venture capital initiatives for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. He’s also the author of The Business of Venture Capital and coauthor of Startup Boards with Brad Feld and Matt Blumberg.