From Right to Left: How Adapting to Driving in the US Taught Me Startup Lessons

As an entrepreneur moving from India to the US, one of the biggest adjustments I faced was switching from right-hand to left-hand driving. While it initially felt disorienting, I soon realized this transition offered valuable lessons that apply to the startup world. Here's what I learned:

1. Embrace the Uncomfortable

At first, everything felt backwards - the driver's seat, the gear shift, even basic turns. But I had to push through that discomfort to adapt. Similarly, as a founder, you'll often face unfamiliar territory. Lean into that discomfort - it's where growth happens.

2. Stay Hyper-Aware

Driving on the "wrong" side required heightened focus on my surroundings. I couldn't rely on muscle memory. This mirrors the startup journey, where you must stay vigilant and responsive to your environment, ready to pivot when needed.

while driving on highway, my muscle memory kicked in and I turned on wipers instead of right indicator. Its hard sometime to take right decisions when you are wired to do things in certain way.

3. Learn the New Rules

Traffic laws, signage, and driving etiquette differ between countries. I had to quickly absorb these new rules to navigate safely. Likewise, understanding the "rules of the game" in a new market or industry is crucial for startup success.

4. Practice Makes Progress

Each drive got a little easier as I built new habits. Persistence and repetition are key, whether you're mastering a new driving style or refining your business model.

5. Ask for Help

I wasn't shy about asking passengers to be extra eyes on the road or clarify rules. In the startup world, leverage mentors, advisors, and your network - their guidance can be invaluable.

Despite the differences, I found many aspects remained the same:

- The fundamental goal: reaching your destination safely

- The need for focus and adherence to traffic laws

- The importance of courtesy and awareness of other drivers

These constants reminded me that while markets and methods may change, core business principles often remain universal.

Most importantly, it taught me that big transitions, while challenging, offer unique opportunities for growth and insight. As entrepreneurs, our ability to navigate change and extract lessons from every experience is our greatest asset.

What unexpected life experiences have taught you valuable business lessons? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments!

#StartupLessons #Entrepreneurship #AdaptabilityInBusiness #InternationalBusiness