Sometimes success means giving up

When it comes to starting companies—or observing other people starting one—it’s common to hear cries of “never give up!”.

But entrepreneurship isn’t about never giving up.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Sure, tenacity and determination are absolutely prerequisites. I’m not challenging that for a second.

But let’s be honest for a second. Failure is normal.

Some founders come into their startup feeling they’re entitled to success.

They’re not.

Building a successful company is probably the hardest thing you’ll ever do.

A lot of great people never make it.

There’s nothing wrong with that.

There’s also nothing wrong with trying, failing and going back to the world of employment (which is 100% possible by the way).

Startups are humbling (i.e. they cause you “to feel less important or proud”).

Don’t let that come as a surprise.

And don’t listen to the cries of “never give up”.

You ABSOLUTELY need to know when to give up.

At its core, entrepreneurship is about finding out—as quickly and cheaply as possible—what to give up on and what to persist with.

It’s about experimenting. Finding what does and doesn’t work.

Failure is the best teacher, as they say.

The real trick is to find a path that leverages failure to its maximum advantage.

That means failing small.

Not failing so much that you’re taken out the game.

Because the cheaper and quicker you can make failure, the more times you can afford it without going bust.

Last but not least, ALWAYS put yourself and your loved ones first.

If you feel that giving up your startup dream and returning to a salary is the best thing for you and the people around you, do it.

And be proud that you had the guts to try.