In this episode Ryan and Will delve into the intense pressures faced by founders from investors, peers, and the startup community. They discuss how these external expectations often drive founders to pursue goals misaligned with their personal beliefs and values. The conversation explores how unchecked expectations can lead to burnout and misguided efforts. They share insights on the importance of auditing and resetting personal and business expectations to ensure they align with one's true goals and values. The hosts also highlight the dangers of comparing oneself to other founders or industry giants, and emphasize the significance of building a business that meets personal fulfillment rather than external benchmarks.

Resources:
Startup Therapy Podcast
https://www.startups.com/community/st...
Website
https://www.startups.com/begin
LinkedIn

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Join our Network of Top Founders
Wil Schroter

/ wilschroter
Ryan Rutan

/ ryan-rutan

What to listen for:
00:32 The Source of Pressure and Expectations
03:32 Investor Expectations and Their Impact
04:05 Personal Story: Missing Investor Expectations
05:44 The Reality of Investor Expectations
10:15 Comparing Yourself to Other Founders
17:45 The Peer Comparison Trap
18:06 Personal Journey: From Poverty to Success
20:01 The Futility of Social Media Comparisons
23:07 Tying Success to Self-Worth
28:20 The Illusion of Goals and Success
31:53 Reevaluating Startup Expectations
36:43 Conclusion: Building What Matters to You

The Burden of Unrealistic Expectations

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