The Definition Of Insanity…
Jun 30 2012
They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. You have a great idea but you pursue the same path and talk to the same people who got you nowhere the last time you felt some urgency around that great idea, and then you wonder why nothing of consequence matters. On the other hand, people who say “we tried that last time and it didn’t work” usually don’t try again because they expect the same result so nothing changes. They get stuck in the thought patterns that there is only one way to achieve the outcome. I wonder why that is?
Maybe most of us are insane and the rest of us are entrepreneurs. Effective entrepreneurs usually realize faster than others that when one way doesn’t work, they have to try another. But wait, entrepreneurs are supposed to be a tad bit insane to even attempt what they want to do against great odds. Is that a riddle, conundrum, or is it saying the same thing in different ways?
Author: Aruni | Filed under: entrepreneurship | Tags: entrepreneurs, trying the same thing | 6 Comments »
Aruni, speaking as a 7-time entrepreneur, I have come to believe there are visionaries, there are entrepreneurs, and when we’re REALLY lucky, we are BOTH.
When we are mainly one vs both, then we’re just darned smart to go to the post bringing the other along with us. That may be either as co-founder, investor(s) or forever-and-fully-committed staff.
Here’s why. The visionary is always, always going to be continuing to come up with terrific ideas, fresh inspiration, and often the capability to create the reasons for the right talents to get onboard and behind the venture.
However, the entrepreneur provides the other core competencies and abilities to build, deliver then recalibrate the whole operation. That will be essential to take the organization through the different developmental stages.
That is what will can KEEP the engine revvin’ and the gears meshing together.
Also – because the whole thing really DOES get insane at different points, it’s really good to have company in the process. That’s especially true if the visionary and the entrepreneur take turns in that mode. 😉
Hi Aruni,
How about an insane entrepreneur???? Only because an entrepreneur will try ‘crazy’ things (mostly because of the visions that they have). Most of those Alpha people have it all going on – intelligence, quick wit, busting with energy, a little nutty and thinking every second. I love just being around them. Thought inspiring article, enjoyed it. Love your website too.
@Sherry – thanks for the great comment! It’s interesting that you describe the entrepreneur as more of an operations type person than the visionary. It’s hard to find that right balance and fit between partners, but it’s nice when it works.
@Ann – I think entrepreneurs are a little insane. It is fun to watch them/us as we navigate our often tumultous lives. 🙂
One thing that I’ve struggled with over the years is the balance between realizing that what I’m doing isn’t working out and that I need to change directions and the reletless dedication needed to succeed in a business. Best of luck to all finding a balance.
@Mark – We all struggle with when is the right time to give up, change direction, or keep the course. It’s not easy and those who get lucky and recognize the signs and can figure out the best way to proceed reap the rewards.
There is something key in that last or imperative 5% of reconfirmed effort and belief in self (or concept | process) that also distinguish the successful entrepreneur.
There is another accompanying element that is just as crucial and that is the willingness and ability to adapt, adapt and do so once again along the way. We have to keep on keepin’ on – but in a wise way of incorporating the learnings every step of the way. There is no “one way or the highway” and we need all the support and help along the way we can cultivate, include, and then fully integrate and incorporate.
This may be where loyal and equally committed but very differently talented co-founders and founding teams become so significant. This is also why wisdom rules again in how we choose these. Unfortunately, all this is super-hard to know at the beginning when so often those choices are being made.
If anyone has the keys to THAT kingdom, co-founder and founding team choice processes –– that knowledge is invaluable. I’ve focused some of my 5-generation research around some of this as there are qualities across the ages and cultures that coalesce with some validity.