Startup Lessons from Martha Washington
After posting last week about startup momentum and an even keel, today I share quotes from Martha Washington that can be applied to startups. Here are the quotes:
Steadiness, Business, Cheerfulness
“I am again fairly settled down to the pleasant duties of an old fashioned Virginia house-keeper, steady as a clock, busy as a bee, and as cheerful as a cricket.” -Martha Washington
Adding steadiness and cheer to hectic startup life, coupled with the hard work of being busy, really make all the difference between burnout and fortitude in startups.
Happiness is a Choice
“I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.” -Martha Washington
Decoupling your deepest emotions (happiness vs misery) from startup stresses can help produce an even keel. It’s important to not tie yourself emotionally too deeply to the outcome of the startup. Living with higher causes and family as top priorities sets you free to be less emotionally connected to the startup and better able to make pragmatic decisions. This is not to say you shouldn’t be emotional; it’s merely to say that your deepest emotions should be decoupled.
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What thoughts do you have about Martha Washington’s advice?