OK — I admit that I’ve never done crack. And I’m not much of a juggler, even with tennis balls.
But, of late, I’ve felt like I’m standing on a stage in front of hundreds (my family, friends, co-workers, the Seattle (and broader) tech community, aspiring entrepreneurs and others) juggling an increasingly daunting mixture of flaming chainsaws and barking poodles, while balanced on a unicycle, all while on a crack high. Overly dramatic? Yes. Any less true? No.
The feeling (fear) reminded me of Jerry’s blog, The Monster in Your Head — I was letting the monster win. Thus, Jerry’s last post was especially relevant, specifically this bit of wisdom from the Bene Gesserit (and that other Child of Dune, Brad Feld… and, Jerry, of course):
I read the above a few days ago — it resonated, but didn’t sink in. Then, last night, my wife helped simplify the situation even further, by asking a few clarifying questions. I won’t share them. But, I’d highly recommend that you get your own ‘wife’.
I hear you and I understand you.
I used to do a fair amount of juggling. Maybe I should teach a class on TeachStreet (no chainsaws tho).
It seems to me that there's something powerful and reassuring about recognizing that the fear is normal and expected, even for the best. It's the ability to take it in stride over the long term that makes an entrepreneur.