How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As entrepreneurs, we often talk about the importance of resilience, grit, and determination. But what shapes these qualities in us? For Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, it was his middle-class upbringing that instilled these values in him. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how the middle-class mindset helped shape his journey and what we can learn from it.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer never had the luxury of a silver spoon. His parents worked hard to provide for the family, and he learned early on the value of earning everything he had. This mindset, he believes, gave him an edge as a founder.
“When you grow up with limited resources, you learn to be frugal, to conserve, and to make do with what you have,” Sameer says. “This mindset helps you prioritize, to focus on what’s essential, and to eliminate unnecessary expenses. As a founder, this becomes incredibly valuable, especially in the early days when resources are scarce.”
The middle-class mindset also taught Sameer the importance of resilience. When faced with setbacks or failures, he learned to pick himself up, dust himself off, and keep moving forward. This ability to bounce back from adversity is crucial for entrepreneurs, who often face rejection, criticism, and uncertainty.
“When you’re born with a silver spoon, you may not understand the value of hard work,” Sameer explains. “You may take things for granted, and when things don’t go your way, you may not know how to respond. But when you’ve had to work hard to get where you are, you develop a sense of resilience that comes from within. You learn to adapt, to innovate, and to find solutions to problems.”
Grit is another value that the middle-class mindset instilled in Sameer. Growing up, he didn’t have the luxury of giving up or taking a break when things got tough. He had to push through, even when it meant sacrificing his own desires or comforts. This grit has served him well as a founder, where he’s faced countless challenges and had to overcome numerous obstacles.
“The middle-class mindset teaches you to be resourceful, to be creative, and to find ways to overcome obstacles,” Sameer says. “It’s not about being complacent or content with the status quo. It’s about being driven, by a desire to succeed, to make a difference, and to leave a mark.”
So, what can we learn from Sameer’s experience? How can we apply the middle-class mindset to our own entrepreneurial journeys? Here are a few takeaways:
- Be frugal: Don’t waste resources or money. Focus on what’s essential and eliminate unnecessary expenses. This mindset will help you prioritize and stay focused.
- Develop resilience: Learn to adapt, innovate, and find solutions to problems. Don’t be afraid to take risks or try new things. This will help you bounce back from setbacks and failures.
- Cultivate grit: Don’t be content with the status quo. Be driven by a desire to succeed, to make a difference, and to leave a mark. This will help you push through challenges and overcome obstacles.
- Prioritize: Focus on what’s essential and eliminate distractions. This will help you stay focused and achieve your goals.
- Learn from setbacks: Don’t be afraid to fail. Use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. This will help you develop the resilience and grit you need to succeed as an entrepreneur.
In conclusion, the middle-class mindset is not just about where you come from, but about the values and principles that shape your journey. For Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, this mindset taught him the importance of frugality, resilience, and grit. By applying these values to his entrepreneurial journey, he was able to build a successful company and achieve his goals.
As entrepreneurs, we can learn a lot from Sameer’s experience. By embracing the middle-class mindset, we can develop the qualities we need to succeed, such as resilience, grit, and determination. So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge or setback, remember Sameer’s words: “Hardship is not a curse, it’s a blessing in disguise. It’s a chance to learn, to grow, and to become the best version of yourself.”
News Source:
https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
