Letter to a Friend Who Is Thinking of Starting Something New
Sari Azout
The letter encourages friends considering starting a new venture to focus on their personal growth and emotional resilience. It emphasizes the importance of merging passion with work while staying true to oneself and avoiding distractions. Ultimately, it highlights that success comes from enjoying the process and creating a life that aligns with one's values.
1 Sep 2024
Joseph Campbell’s words ring so true here: “If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it's not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That's why it's your path.”
Defaulting to the norms of your industry will shape your business to be similar to the rest, where the best entrepreneurs zero-in on their self expression. Do you have an eye for good design? Inject design into a tasteless industry. Do you have a knack for writing? Share your journey and commit to learning in public. Are you funny? Inject humor into your copy.
You have to free your mind of the narrative that the world is out to get you, and notice the difference between imagination and reality. When you catch yourself saying “nobody likes my work”, witness your thoughts and replace them with “I am struggling”.
I’ve found a useful way to develop a relationship with the truth is to step out of yourself and consider your circumstance from a cosmic perspective.