How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As entrepreneurs, we often hear stories of successful founders who have traversed the journey of building their startups with ease, pouring in millions of dollars and facing minimal challenges. However, not many of us have had the privilege of experiencing the same level of support and resources. I, Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, have had my fair share of struggles, and I firmly believe that my middle-class mindset has been instrumental in shaping my journey as a founder.
Growing up in a middle-class family, I faced numerous challenges that taught me valuable lessons about resilience, frugality, and grit. The absence of privilege or safety nets forced me to be resourceful, innovative, and determined to succeed. In this blog post, I will share my story and explain how the middle-class mindset has given me an edge as a founder.
Resilience: The Middle-Class Mindset’s Greatest Asset
As a middle-class child, I was constantly reminded that hard work and perseverance were the keys to success. I had to work multiple part-time jobs to support my education and family expenses. This experience instilled in me a sense of resilience that has been invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey. When faced with setbacks or failures, I draw upon this reservoir of resilience to bounce back and keep pushing forward.
When I started HealthKart, I faced numerous challenges, from finding the right investors to navigating the complexities of the healthcare industry. But I refused to give up. I worked tirelessly, often for 18 hours a day, to ensure that my startup succeeded. This relentless focus and determination have been crucial in overcoming the obstacles that I’ve faced.
Frugality: The Art of Doing More with Less
My middle-class upbringing taught me the importance of frugality. I learned to make do with limited resources, to be creative, and to find ways to reuse and recycle. These skills have been essential in my entrepreneurial journey, where every penny counts.
As a founder, I’ve had to make tough choices about where to allocate our limited resources. I’ve had to prioritize our spending, cutting unnecessary expenses and focusing on the things that truly mattered. This frugality has allowed us to stretch our budget, making the most of every rupee and every dollar.
Grit: The Fuel that Drives Entrepreneurial Success
Grit, in my opinion, is the most underrated quality of successful entrepreneurs. It’s the ability to sustain one’s efforts over a long period of time, even when faced with adversity or uncertainty. My middle-class mindset has given me a natural inclination towards grit.
I’ve faced numerous setbacks and failures in my journey as a founder. There have been times when I’ve felt like giving up, when the odds seemed insurmountable and the challenges too great. But I’ve always managed to find a way to push through, to persevere and to keep moving forward. This grit has been the driving force behind HealthKart’s success.
The Unfair Advantage of a Middle-Class Mindset
So, what sets apart founders with a middle-class mindset from those who have had the privilege of wealth and resources? In my opinion, it’s the values that we’ve learned to instill in ourselves – resilience, frugality, and grit. These values are invaluable assets that no amount of money can buy.
When you’ve had to fight for every scrap of food on your table, when you’ve had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, you develop a sense of purpose and drive that’s hard to find in those who have had everything handed to them on a silver platter.
As a founder, I believe that these values give me an unfair advantage. I’m not limited by the constraints of wealth and privilege. I’m free to think creatively, to innovate, and to push the boundaries of what’s possible. And that’s what sets me apart from others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my middle-class mindset has been instrumental in shaping my journey as a founder. The resilience, frugality, and grit that I’ve learned have given me an edge that I wouldn’t trade for anything. So, to all the aspiring founders out there who are struggling to make ends meet, I say this: don’t give up. Your struggles are not a limitation, but an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient, and more innovative mindset.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
