We all make mistakes. The goal is to learn not only from our own mistakes, but the mistakes of those who came before us. Ray Dalio is one of the greatest investors of our time. His net worth (depending on market fluctuations) is about $16B. This puts him on the list of the top 25 richest men in America. One of the things I learned from him was how to profit from mistakes.
A common question I get from entrepreneurs is, “How do I know when my startup is about to implode?” It’s an important question and one that needs to be asked often. The answer is not a simple one as it depends on several factors.
When joining or building a company, it is imperative that you understand the laws around equity. As an employee, not understanding how stock options work may leave you with expensive tax bills for worthless stock. As a founder, doling out equity too liberally will leave you with a sliver of the company by the time you exit through an IPO or acquisition.
It’s easy to get excited when you receive your first term sheet. Don’t be easy.
You can’t control your day, but you can always control your attitude.
#MoreWinningLessWhining