“But.. What If It Doesn’t Work?”

Summary

• When you start something new, you're going to fail initially because you've never done it before. That's normal, and it's okay to not be good right away.
• The game of entrepreneurship never ends, so the only way to truly fail is by giving up.
• You won't end up homeless or starving because of how our systems work, minimizing real-world risks.
• The main cost of trying entrepreneurship is feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed.
• Don't let fear of what others think hold you back. By the time you're old, it won't matter what Sally or anyone else thought about your choices.
• Seeking other people's approval might drive you but you need to unlearn that to try new things.
• You have to risk looking stupid and being misunderstood by people whose opinions you value.
• My personal journey taught me that even with a successful career and approval, true happiness wasn't there until I took my own path.
• Be ready for loved ones to think you're making a mistake, possibly for many years, and persist regardless.
• If you're willing to face these challenges, you'll likely do well.

Video

How To Take Action

I would suggest starting by accepting that failure is part of trying new things. You're going to fail at first, and that's okay. You’ve never done this before, so it's normal. Just keep improving every day—remember, the game of entrepreneurship never ends unless you quit.

A good way of shaking off fear is to believe that you won’t end up homeless or starving. The systems in place nowadays offer safety nets, so the real cost is just feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed. Worrying about what others think, like Sally, won't matter when you're older. So focus on what you truly want, not on seeking others’ approval.

You should try unlearning the need for approval to start something new. Risk feeling stupid and misunderstood. Those who care about you might think you're making a mistake, and that might not change for years. But if you're willing to accept that, you’ll likely succeed.

Take small steps. If there’s something you've always wanted to try, start today. Use free resources, like online courses, to gain knowledge without spending much. Ask for advice from others who've done it. Keep moving forward even when it feels like you aren't progressing.

Above all, do it for yourself. Understand that true happiness comes from choosing your own path, not following what others expect of you. If you keep this mindset, you’ll pave the way for personal growth and success.