Successful Startup 101: September 2014 Successful Startup 101: September 2014 | Page 62

1

We should never, ever
give up

Think of all the situations that you have been
through, how bad you fought for the dream
you wanted the most, and most importantly for
those of you that are still struggling to reach
their destination this is not the time to quit. Ms.
Nyad tried this five times and each time before
there was an obstacle in her way. Storms, stinging
jellyfish, and terrifying sharks. I can’t think of one
person in my life that would do what she did, can
you? You could be that person.

2

You are never too old
to chase your dreams

Whether you’re 35 or 53 chances are deep down
inside there is something burning you on the
inside. Maybe this goal is something you dreamed
of doing twenty years ago . It could be the dream
of working for yourself or the dream of finally
getting that MBA title that you may not even need
but want to have it make you feel complete. Ms.
Nyad showed us all that it’s really never too late.
All you need is perseverance and determination to
succeed.

3

It looks like a
solitary sport, but
it takes a team

This lesson was actually my favorite.
I confess! It’s my favorite because I’m
running a company, as are many of you,

and we both know that doing it ourselves is just a
crock of you know what. If it weren’t for my team
I honestly don’t know how I would do it. A wellbalanced team makes all the difference.
If you are running your business alone this really
applies to you. Think about all of the things
you would be able to achieve if you developed
your A team. After so many attempts Ms. Nyad
knew what she had to do and whom she had to
consult to make this journey a success. On one
occasion she had a severe asthma attack that
stopped her journey, which prompted her to
call a pulmonologist. After being severely stung
by a swarm of jellyfish, she called in a jellyfish
expert. Sharks are usually an absolute menace so
she called in shark divers. After each lesson she
learned exactly whom she needed to succeed and
you must do the same.
We are living in an age where anything is possible,
including the outrageous dreams you have in
your head. So today as we reflect