Legends, G.O.A.T.s, Thomas Edison

I started a series on Linked In called “Slaughtered at Dawn: the BS line we killed that day.” It’s summertime, so I’m trying to deliver some lighter fare to chew on every Thursday morning. Truthfully, it’s somewhat therapeutic to take some of the standard poo lines we’ve been fed all our lives and turn them upside down. And then end with an improved version and the friendly call to action, ‘Try this one on for size.”

I was thinking this week about the well-entrenched belief that you, as an entrepreneur, a business owner, and even a community leader, should work hard and be persistent — endlessly persistent. You will face difficulties, yet your job is to put your head down and bulldoze through them. Because at the end of the road is glorious Success — amazing applause, accolades, and awe.

We’ve all read many tales of entrepreneurs whose companies were on the verge of collapse but persevered and achieved great fame and prosperity.

Some of these stories have even become mystic, haven’t they? They are generally about how the owner got down to their last nickel, had an Eureka moment, or made a superb last-ditch effort, and then Voila. Behold the massive success we see today.

I will never say that none of this doesn’t happen. Many of the stories behind Legends and G.O.A.T.s are authentic and can be very inspiring for the right people. However, for those of us who tend toward the ‘mere mortal’ side of life, there is one nagging question we all must answer at least once.

What should I do now? Stay or Go?

This is a question that demands deep introspection and self-reflection.

Whether you’ve reached the end of your career path or tried and seemingly failed at your latest launch, regardless of how you lost the spark you originally had for the other person, the great job, the fabulous opportunity, or the fantastic business idea, at some point, we are all faced with the should I stay or should I go question.

A better way to position this existential question is, When do I cut my losses?

While a piece of me would love to believe the adage, ‘Most give up right before the breakthrough,’ a rather large swath of cold reality runs through my veins. First, how many times did you try? What did you not consistently do? Did you understand the circumstances you were entering into? Who did you speak to for advice, and specifically, what kind of advice did you seek? Those are some of the things you want to uncover first.

So when should you cut your losses, and when should you continue the struggle?

I’ve always believed that when we feel the time is right for a change, we are 1000% correct. What exactly that change is is often the stumbling block. And stumbling blocks are easy to get around. Honestly, reflecting on this for a few days would be best. (A few weeks is better.) And there is absolutely no rule written anywhere that you do it alone. My advice is to always err on the side of more.

Take a moment to assess your physical and mental states. Your well-being is paramount. If you find yourself at the numb stage, devoid of joy, or if the issue at hand is causing you distress, it may be time to consider a change.

The Lightbulb Guy

No doubt you’ve heard the phrase that belongs to Thomas Edison. ‘I’ve never failed; I’ve merely learned 10,000 different ways it doesn’t work.’ But here’s the truth. He didn’t experiment all that time without having a Plan B or a fallback position. What doesn’t get written about so much is how he had a full-time job as a telegraph operator — and did much of his experiments on the side.

I bring up Thomas Edison because we often forget that every Legend and G.O.A.T. paid the price in a way that most of us can not comprehend. So, comparing our good selves and efforts to those of someone else is never helpful.

Sometimes, external circumstances force your hand. You cannot get critical raw materials. You lose a crucial patent infringement case. You suffer a debilitating stroke that leaves you paralyzed.

However, what if you feel you can keep going if you try, but your heart is no longer there to fight the good fight?

If you are in such a situation, I ask that you please look inward. Is your dejection a temporary blip or something more profound? Does the fire that once animated you still exist, or has it been dowsed? Does the thought of rekindling that fire energize you, or does it leave you cold?

Reflect on this for a few days. A few weeks is better.

If the thought of continuing does not give you an incredible feeling of being alive, it is time to leave for the next phase.

There is one truth that doesn’t get enough coverage. There is absolutely NO permanence to any part of our life. All things come to an end. It is a natural part of the ebb and flow of life.

For your well-being, accept this gracefully and move on.