Letters to A Young [Poet]
One of my top 3 favorite books of all time is, "Letters to a Young Poet” by Rainer Maria Rilke.
Technically, it's about a young poet asking an established poet for advice.
But, IMHO, you can swap out “Entrepreneur” for Poet for the exact same effect.
Want to see what I mean? Watch this:
Original text
How I hear it
You are looking outward, and that, above all, you should not do now. Nobody can counsel and help you, nobody. There is only one single way. Go into yourself. Search for the reason that bids you [to build]; find out whether it is spreading out its roots in the deepest places of your heart, acknowledge to yourself whether you would have to die if it were denied you to [create this company]. This above all—ask yourself in the stillest hour of your night: must I [build this]? Delve into yourself for a deep answer. And if this should be affirmative, if you may meet this earnest question with a strong and simple “I must,” then build your life according to this necessity; your life even into its most indifferent and slightest hour must be a sign of this urge and a testimony to it.
And, if you like that, you can read the entire (short) book here.
When life hits a wall, or you receive some great news, your first call will obviously be to your family, friend, or partner. I just want to earn the right to be your second call.
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