As a bootstrapper, I dedicated over six months to studying interviews of successful entrepreneurs who had established companies valued at over $100 million. I believed that I would gain valuable insights and knowledge to assist me in my own entrepreneurial pursuits, only to discover that it was, in fact, an exercise in futility.
Throughout my observation of these interviews, I operated under the misconception that I was acquiring useful skills such as conflict resolution, talent retention, and providing employee feedback. I deluded myself into thinking that this was all a part of my preparation for becoming a successful business owner. However, the reality diverged drastically from my preconceived notions.
One significant downside of excessive consumption of these interviews is the cultivation of unrealistic expectations. As someone who was in the process of learning to code and exploring the potential for establishing my own business, I was easily influenced by the success stories of others. The more interviews I watched, the more resolute I became in my desire to pursue entrepreneurship.
Unbeknownst to me, I was falling into the trap of comparing my progress to that of individuals who had already achieved extraordinary success. This fostered a false sense of urgency and pressure, leading me to believe that I needed to expedite my learning process and hastily immerse myself in the world of entrepreneurship.
In addition to fostering unrealistic expectations, I found myself mired in a state of protracted procrastination. Instead of concentrating on taking actionable steps towards my goals, I continually sought validation and inspiration from the interviews. I convinced myself that I was accruing valuable knowledge, when in reality, I was utilizing it as a pretext to evade the actual work necessary for success.
It is crucial to acknowledge that watching interviews of successful entrepreneurs does offer benefits, but only when consumed in moderation. These interviews can serve as sources of inspiration and provide valuable insights into the mindset and strategies of accomplished business owners. However, excessive consumption can easily lead to feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and procrastination.
Ultimately, as a bootstrapper, it is imperative to strike a balance between garnering inspiration from others and taking practical steps towards one’s own entrepreneurial journey. While learning from the experiences of successful individuals is important, it is equally critical to avoid succumbing to the trap of excessive consumption, which ultimately impedes progress. Rather than spending countless hours watching interviews, it is more productive to invest that time in practical learning, skill-building, and taking tangible steps towards one’s own entrepreneurial goals.