It Takes A Little Crazy to Create a Lot of Change

👋 leaders,

This week I’ve been thinking about the question: Why in the world would someone work at a startup?” 

It’s a funny question when you think about it…. why would someone voluntarily sign up for:

  • Chaos...

  • Constant change...

  • Uncertainty...

  • Aggressive growth targets...

  • Tight deadlines...

  • Etc etc… the list goes on and on

Maybe the question behind the question is… “are you crazy?

To which I think the answer is probably: “Yes 😅.”

Does anyone remember Steve’s Job speech about this:  

"You can’t ignore them… because THEY CHANGE THINGS.”

So this week I’ve been thinking about the fact that: It takes a little crazy to create a lot change.

This is an obscure reference, but who remembers the ’Stephen the Irishman’ character from Braveheart?

If you haven’t seen the movie… meet Stephen: 

Even without words - this gif ☝️ sums him up pretty well. My favorite line from the movie is when he’s asked:

“So, you’re a madman?” <insert manic smile> “I’ve come to the right place then?"

Crazy folks like to be around other crazy folks. I know I sure do. My favorite people on the planet have a little bit of 'that look' in their eye… like they have a few screws loose. 

But... it takes crazy to create change. 

And the benefits far outweigh the downsides. For example, why am I addicted to startups?

  • Because win or lose, you’ll never be the same again 

  • You grow faster than everyone else 

  • The challenge and pressure is basically a free MBA 

  • You meet other like-minded (crazy) people 

  • The opportunity to truly make a difference

  • You’re never bored 

  • Every day is dynamic 

  • The experience teaches grit and perseverance 

  • It pushes you to produce your best work 

…should I keep going? 😁

So don’t apologize for that look in your eye. In fact, maybe as we head into a new year what we need is MORE crazy. Maybe we need a whole new level of crazy, and maybe that’s what it’ll take for us to win.

Here’s to the crazy ones… 🥂

MT 

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Eyes on the prize: The Key to Becoming a Successful Startup