For the Journey to Begin, One Must Start the Journey

In this post, I share my journey as the founder of Zweelie, reflecting on the challenges and fears I've faced as an entrepreneur. I emphasize the significance of community, the lessons learned from fellow founders, and the importance of being transparent in our entrepreneurial paths. I hope to inspire other entrepreneurs to embark on their journeys, embrace their individuality, and remain authentic in the face of adversity.

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To embark on a journey is to embrace the unknown, to face the risk and the reward that lie ahead. There is no certainty, but behind the fear lies the potential for great reward. You won't know unless you take that first step and keep moving forward.

Several weeks ago, I found myself at a Founder Fridays event, a community gathering led by Jason Calacanis, host of the "This Week in Startups" podcast. I'm not usually one for public events; I prefer to stay in and code. But this event shifted my perspective on gatherings for entrepreneurs.

I met a fellow founder who shared his fear of posting on social media and building in public. The online world can be intimidating, and it's hard to predict the reactions you might receive. His vulnerability struck a chord with me, reminding me that I wasn't alone in my fears. Just a month prior, I was paralyzed by the thought of posting online. Kelly from the Founder University program had encouraged me to face my fears and start sharing my journey. In the early days, I worried about every possible reaction. Would people like my posts? Would they misunderstand my words? The fear was palpable.

But I learned to push through the doubts. Posting opened doors to connections with other founders worldwide. It taught me to listen to others' struggles, often mirroring my own. This exchange of experiences, both good and bad, is invaluable.

These encounters have reinforced my belief in the power of community. I envision Zweelie hosting similar events, fostering a network of entrepreneurs who learn from and support each other. Our strength lies in the lessons we share, helping us avoid pitfalls and grow stronger together.

During one session at Founder University, we pitched our businesses to fellow founders. I was candid about my flaws and the lessons I've learned, hoping to spare others from my mistakes. We often see only the success stories, the impressive numbers, but the failures are hidden away. I believe in embracing these failures, for they have shaped my journey and taught me patience.

There have been times when I've had to disconnect from the online world, overwhelmed by others' success. But I realized that my journey is my own, and I shouldn't let comparisons dim my light. I've committed to being as transparent as possible, understanding that there's no one-size-fits-all path to success. Every journey is unique, and all we can do is start our own and embrace the adventure.

Not everything will fall into our laps as we might wish. We must be ready for the journey, with all its twists and turns.

By
Alex Hanna
March 12, 2024