Paint-by-numbers for entrepreneurs

Stuart Dalrymple
Sep 2, 2018 · 2 min read

When it comes to exercise, there are three types of people:

  1. Those with extreme discipline who get regular exercise without external triggers
  2. Those who have external influencers help them achieve their goals (PT, bootcamps, classes, gym buddies)
  3. Those with good intentions that ultimately end up lazy and unfit

I think the same categories hold true for entrepreneurs.

Many believe they are type #1’s. They will get it done on their own, because they’re a #growth-hacker and #hustler. I would say those are the 5%.

20% realise they can’t do it alone and move into type#2. With the right support they do get it done.

The other 75% fall into type #3. Life gets in the way and you end up hoping Elon Musk fails just to deflect questions about why you never made it either.

I’m definitely guilty of a transition from #1 to #3.

Entrepreneurship can be lonely and without a tribe to keep you honest. It’s too easy to go switch from late-night business plans to late-night Netflix.

Part of the problem is there can be too many things to do; it’s hard to know what to do next.

There are frameworks galore, however which one do you use when, and how do they link together?

Thankfully an MIT professor thought the same, and created the ultimate 24-step guide to disciplined entrepreneurship.

This book is like your startup personal trainer; keeping you safely in the type #2 zone, keeping you on track and honest.

Entrepreneurship paint-by-numbers

Like a regular fitness bootcamp, I’m going to commit to iterating through this process, attempting one phase each week.

Stay tuned for the startup equivalent progress of taking selfies in the mirror.

Growth Hormone

The journey to start a business — detailing what worked and what didn’t

Stuart Dalrymple

Written by

Digital Product Manager, Strategy & Operations, MBA Candidate @ Melbourne Business School

Growth Hormone

The journey to start a business — detailing what worked and what didn’t

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