The Taste of Progress: Finding Joy in the Journey
Why building a startup is not just a struggle, but also a source of deep personal meaning and satisfaction.
Why mindset matters more than speed
- Sustainable pace: Burnout is the enemy of good work. Fast is fragile. Slow is sustainable.
- Creative energy: Progress feels better when you’re not chasing ghosts or imaginary competition.
- Presence: Most of your time as a founder will be in the building phase. If you can’t enjoy this part, you’ll never be satisfied with the next one either.
How to enjoy your founder journey more
- Work on problems that matter to you, not just to the market.
- Share progress publicly — not for validation, but for connection.
- Take moments to reflect on how far you’ve come, even if the goal is still far away.
A few small rituals:
- Start each day with one question: “What would make today feel meaningful?”
- Write a short weekly reflection, even if it’s messy.
- Disconnect often. Solitude feeds clarity.
“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.” — Jim Rohn
Founding is not just about exit multiples or pitch decks.
It’s about building something real — and becoming someone real in the process.
Let yourself enjoy the flavor of slow progress. It’s the only kind that sticks.