Introducing a new platform for strategic growth

The Beauty Is in the Struggle

Eighteen months ago, I was burned out. Like many entrepreneurs before me, I was exhausted from the weight of wearing so many hats. I can remember vividly wondering why the hell there were so many repeat founders. Why would you ever subject yourself to this again and again? 

Then, a few weeks ago, I read this quote from Sigmund Freud:

“One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.” 

Now I understand! 

The most meaningful things in life are often the hardest. Actually, life itself is more meaningful when it is hard. Those challenges sharpen us, push us, force us to go beyond our self-imposed boundaries. And, of course, we don’t appreciate these teachings while we’re in the middle of them. But when we come out the other end, we realize we wouldn’t have become better people without them. 

I remember experiencing this as an overwhelmed and cranky new parent. I would ask my parents how they dealt with the sleepless nights, the crying and the 24/7 responsibility. They’d sort of smile and say, “Oh, I don’t know. It just sort of worked out.” What does that mean?!?!

It means, like so much of what we endlessly worry about, that it worked out, as it often does. And they don’t remember all of those struggles because, in retrospect, those struggles were some of the greatest moments of their lives. 

And they will be for you too. 

So here’s to the struggle! 

Don’t worry so much about the outcome, because the mere fact that we’re fighting every day means that we’re winning. And, one day, we’ll look back on these as the good old days!

Startup Growth Newsletter

This post originally appeared in our weekly newsletter.
Get the latest startup news, stories and insights delivered straight to your inbox.

Sales Team Structure Template

Set your sales org up for success with the templates and frameworks in our free GTM strategy playbook.

Related Posts

Sales Team Structure Template

Set your sales org up for success with the templates and frameworks in our free GTM strategy playbook.

Growth. Delivered.

Get the latest startup news, stories, and insights delivered straight to your inbox. Guaranteed not to be boring or your money back. Wait, you’re not paying for this. Well, phew, that takes some of the pressure off. Well, we’ll still try not to be boring.

Knowledge is power

Get insights into the world of startups and angel investing straight to your inbox.