The lonely reality of being a founder: 50 hard lessons

A confession: there is a lonely reality to being a founder that no one talks about. This is my list of what it actually looks like.

50 things no one tells you about being a founder

1. It is up to you to motivate yourself; no one else can do that.
2. Getting anything (£) out of a business is very tough.
3. Failure hurts more than you could imagine.
4. You do get used to the sleepless nights.
5. A problem shared isn't a problem halved, it is a problem doubled.
6. Even when you have money, you still worry about it.
7. Your version of success is very different to others', and that's fine.
8. You never really "make" it.
9. Falling out with people rarely fixes the problem.
10. Prioritise your home life; everything else will fit around it.
11. You have to make money, so make that the core of every decision.
12. 9 to 5 doesn't exist. It is a lot worse... or better. Up to you.
13. Don't take advice from anyone. Have a select few and follow it religiously.
14. Risk is a sliding scale. Leaving your job isn't risky.
15. It is very lonely. Even a decade later, it's just me and a screen.
16. Ghosting is painful, and I still can't fully understand it.
17. Raising investment consistently is practically impossible, so learn to bootstrap.
18. Be careful who you get into bed with.
19. Don't fixate on just one business. Try many.
20. Own your own truth.
21. Get comfortable with exposing your vulnerable self to strangers.
22. Everyone wants to pick your brains, so be selective who you share time with.
23. Don't overstretch yourself. It really is a marathon, not a sprint.
24. Stop trying to be a millionaire by X age. It's literally irrelevant.
25. Don't believe your own hype.
26. Put your own reputation first, always, without compromise.
27. Build your brand; the product is always secondary.
28. Get comfortable with time passing you by.
29. Have a day off. Literally no one cares.
30. Enjoy it, seriously. The lows are your future inspiration.
31. Don't let it go back to £0 value. Get out with something, anything.
32. Always pay it forward.
33. Look after people. You are a shepherd, not a dictator.
34. If you are going to fail, fail well. Preserve yourself.
35. Avoid taking capital for as long as physically possible.
36. You will never get lucky. Make your own luck.
37. Forgive fast and move forward.
38. It is only ever you vs. the world. Get used to it.
39. Presenting and pitching is the ultimate skill to master.
40. Don't aim for an easy life. If it's hard, it's worth it.
41. Find a hobby. Work can't be a hobby; it's not healthy.
42. Trust your business partner.
43. Unless you are healthy mentally, you can't do anything.
44. Scale safely. Only hire if you desperately need to.
45. It is the best journey ever. Enjoy it for what it is. Liberating.
46. Pivoting isn't quitting.
47. Don't be afraid of a niche. They are massive.
48. Love the day to day. It's therapeutic; get in the zone.
49. Shoot for the stars. Dreaming big is fun and exciting.
50. If you fall off the horse, get back on and go again.