A'ita Jaffer Joel
A pervasive fear of failure often prevents individuals from pursuing their aspirations. This crippling apprehension of potential setbacks serves as a significant barrier, discouraging them from taking that initial leap of faith.
The fear of judgment and ridicule, rooted in the “what-ifs” of failure, has stifled countless ventures, keeping many individuals confined to the safety and security of their monthly paychecks and those who started, and the business is destined to failure stubbornly keeping on digging a hole for the business and themselves to get buried in.
Yet, amidst the triumphs and trials of entrepreneurial journeys, there lies a critical distinction between genuine persistence and mere stubbornness. While persistence is lauded as a hallmark of successful entrepreneurs, discerning its true essence from willful obstinacy can be a daunting task. How can we determine whether our unwavering commitment stems from a resilient spirit or a stubborn refusal to adapt?
The answer lies in self-awareness and a willingness to critically examine our approach. True persistence is characterized by an openness to feedback, an adaptability to changing circumstances, and a steadfast commitment to long-term goals. Stubbornness, on the other hand, manifests as a resistance to learning from mistakes, a fixation on outdated strategies, and an unwillingness to deviate from one’s path, even in the face of mounting evidence of its futility.
The pain of seeing a company you’ve poured your heart and soul into go down the drain is undeniable. It’s easy to get caught in the sunk cost fallacy, believing that because you’ve invested so much time, energy, and money, you must keep going even when the signs are clearly pointing towards failure. However, the reality is that sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself, and your business, is to let it go.
As an entrepreneur, it’s crucial to shift your perspective from the resources you’ve lost to the knowledge and networks you’ve gained along the way. Every failed venture, no matter how painful, is an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine your approach. You’re not throwing away your investment; you’re investing in your own professional development.
Viewing failed businesses as stepping stones rather than dead ends empowers you to move forward with renewed determination. You’ve acquired invaluable experience, refined your skills, and expanded your network. These assets will serve you well in your next venture, leading you closer to your ultimate goals.
Failure is not the end; it’s a valuable lesson learned. Embrace the knowledge and connections you’ve gained and use them to propel yourself towards success.
I have started and I run very successful ventures; Joadah Consult, Development Infrastructure, JDI and Vendor Capital Finance. Joadah Consult has successfully carried out huge Infrastructure projects not just in Uganda but across Sub-Sahara Africa and we give employment to hundreds of Africans. However, I have also run more than 5 start-ups which ended up in failures.
I look to be persistent but avoid being stubborn. When I analyzed and found out that the business was not going anywhere, I had to close them. Some examples like Shomi Africa and recently Arua Hill SC where I had to pull out. Laser Dynamics, JPD which I had to close. These are some start-ups I started in the past 15 years but had to close them because they were not going anywhere. Believe me, it’s not just an easy thing to lose them. But sometimes you must be bold enough to say enough is enough.
There are several now successful people who have gone through similar situations. A few examples are here.
1. Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban is easily one of the most well-known entrepreneurs of the 21st century. He became a household name for owning the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and being one of the original sharks on the hit show Shark Tank. Mark’s wealth is estimated to be $3.3 billion, but it took him a lot of trial and error to become the outspoken, wealthy tech investor he is now. His first failed business venture? Powdered milk. And, despite his belief that the business would be a hit, his parents were his only customers.
2. Bill Gates: Traf-O-Data
Have you ever driven over one of those weird black cables that stretch across the road and measure traffic by counting tire bumps? Bill Gates and a few of his friends did, which is why he founded Traf-O-Data.
This system recorded traffic information and fed it back to government authorities, civil engineers and others who needed it. The concept ultimately failed.
Despite Traf-O-Data’s failure as a business venture, the project gave Gates and Paul Allen the experience and skills they ultimately needed to create Microsoft’s first line of software products a few years later.
Even the most successful entrepreneurs face financial struggles, as evidenced by Elon Musk’s near shutdown of Tesla and SpaceX. Cash flow, the lifeblood of any business, can be a daunting challenge, leaving many entrepreneurs feeling anxious about meeting payroll and paying suppliers. While the concept of cash flow may be intellectually understood, it’s only through firsthand experience that the true weight of this challenge is truly grasped.
Entrepreneurship is not a walk in the park. As the adage goes, nothing worth pursuing comes easy. If you find that the entrepreneurial path is not for you, don’t fret. Regain your footing, gather the courage (and perhaps some funds), and try again when the time is right.
Remember, entrepreneurship is often about being in the right place at the right time, surrounded by the right partners, and presenting your vision to the right clients.
Joel Aita
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