Why Resilience is the Skill Every Founder Needs

The life of a startup founder isn't for the faint of heart. It's a rollercoaster ride with exhilarating highs and gut-wrenching lows but with one added twist: it isn't over in minutes; it often takes years. One minute, you're celebrating a major milestone; the next, you face a seemingly insurmountable challenge. But here's the truth: tough times don't last, but tough people do.

One of the most inspiring things I do is talk to founders who have been through the wringer. They've stared down the abyss and emerged stronger. I ask them, "Do you recall when you thought your company was doomed? How'd you pull yourself up and find a way to make it work?" Their stories testify to the grit and determination that define a successful founder.

Good Investors who have been through this understand this. They know the startup journey is a marathon, not a sprint. They're not looking for overnight sensations; they're looking for founders with the resilience to navigate the twists and turns, the setbacks and surprises. They want to back people who can dig deep, find creative solutions, and keep pushing forward with unwavering belief.

The good news is that resilience isn't something you're born with—it's a muscle you can build. There will be days when you want to throw in the towel, days when doubt creeps in and whispers sweet nothings about giving up. But that's where the real magic happens. You can push through anything by learning from your mistakes, staying flexible and adapting to changing circumstances, and surrounding yourself with a supportive network that believes in you.

Think of raising money from an investor as entering a long-term relationship. A partnership requires trust, communication, and a shared vision. Investors aren't looking for someone who jumps ship at the first sign of trouble. They want someone committed for the long haul, someone with the passion and purpose to see the journey through, no matter what.

If you talk to any founder who successfully "made it," they have many examples of times they truly thought it was all over. Any founder who tells you otherwise is a liar, has chosen to forget their traumas, or is incredibly lucky.

That's why understanding your "why" is so crucial. What fire in your belly drives you to risk everything on this dream? Is this just a passing fancy, or is it something you truly believe in that keeps you up at night and fuels your every move? The sooner you connect with your "why" and demonstrate your resilience to investors, the better your chances of building something truly amazing.

So, the next time you feel low, this is your chance to emerge stronger. Embrace the challenge, learn from the experience, and keep pushing forward. The world needs your resilience, vision, and unwavering belief in the impossible.

Tell potential investors about when you thought it was over and how you overcame it.