The most successful founders all share one trait -- resilience. Here are five proven ways to ensure you stay strong when the market knocks you on your ass:
1) Strongly connect with the problem.
When you care deeply about the problem you're solving, you don't give up when your first (or third) solution doesn't work. You don't feel defeated when a buyer says no. You take that as a challenge to show up even better next time.
2) Share the startup journey with people who understand.
It's easier to keep fighting when you know you're not fighting alone. Get a co-founder. Find a coach. Join a monthly CEO group. Frustration shared is frustration diminished.
3) Exercise. Eat right. Get enough sleep.
Physical activity improves mood and stress management, while proper sleep and a solid diet are crucial for managing stress hormones that contribute to burnout.
4) Maintain in-person social connections.
We are social creatures and we need human connection. Even weak social ties remind us that we are part of a tribe and reduce the fight or flight response to perceived threats.
5) Participate in at least one hobby.
Startups never get easier, they just get different hard. It's important that you have the occasional opportunity to feel capable and talented. Mastery in one area reminds us that we can be excellent in other areas.
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Straight up, you can't do these five things while grinding 9-9-6. Which is good, because that 9-9-6 is a crap meme that doesn't work.
Resilience comes from taking care of ourselves and having a variety of opportunities to feel connected to something greater.
A startup is what we do, not who we are.
(Happy Halloween!)