Gary Ong | August 23rd, 2021

We all want more out of life. In a startup, that might mean better traction, faster technical development, or higher performance. So, we grind. We get the whole team to grind. After all, if we work a hundred hours a week when others are working forty, then surely I can get 2.5 x more done, right? It’s just math.

Well, it depends. What kind of work are you trying to do? If the plans are laid out, the direction is clear, and no walls stand in your way, then yes, you are right. Work a hundred hours a week. But, what do you do when you stumble upon the first wall? In a startup, often goals are clear and paths are unclear. All you see are walls: our task is to learn to navigate around them. It’s like a maze, and what you need is a map rather than more time wandering in the maze.

So, how do we access the map? Just take a step back and breathe. You see, the map is not out there. It’s in your mind. You have the map already. You just can’t see it yet. Breathe and insight will come to you. Breathe and let the map come to you.

Image credit: Daniel Roberts