How Does a Middle-Class Mindset Help Build Better Founders?
As a founder, one’s mindset plays a crucial role in shaping their entrepreneurial journey. While privilege and wealth can provide a safety net, it is not a guarantee of success. On the contrary, a middle-class mindset can be a powerful catalyst for building resilience, frugality, and grit – essential qualities for a successful entrepreneur. Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, is a living testimony to this. In this blog post, we will explore how his middle-class upbringing shaped his entrepreneurial journey and what valuable lessons he learned along the way.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Sameer never had the luxury of taking things for granted. His family struggled to make ends meet, and he had to work part-time jobs to support himself throughout his education. This experience taught him the importance of hard work and earning everything he had. “I never had a safety net,” he says. “I had to fight for every rupee I earned. This taught me to be frugal and make the most of every opportunity.”
The middle-class mindset instilled in Sameer a sense of resilience that has been invaluable in his entrepreneurial journey. When faced with setbacks or failures, he knows how to bounce back and adapt to new situations. “I’ve failed many times, but I never give up,” he says. “I’ve learned to be resilient, to pick myself up, and to keep moving forward.”
Another valuable lesson Sameer learned from his middle-class upbringing is the importance of grit. When faced with challenges, he knows how to dig deep and find the strength to push through. “I’ve faced many challenges as an entrepreneur, from funding issues to talent acquisition,” he says. “But I’ve always found a way to overcome them. It’s not about being smart or talented; it’s about being persistent and gritty.”
The middle-class mindset also taught Sameer the value of simplicity and humility. He knows that success is not just about achieving a certain level of wealth or status, but about making a positive impact on people’s lives. “As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned to focus on the bigger picture,” he says. “I’m not just building a company; I’m building a community. I’m creating jobs, empowering people, and making a difference in their lives.”
So, how does a middle-class mindset help build better founders? For starters, it instills values that money cannot buy. Resilience, grit, and humility are essential qualities that cannot be taught or learned overnight. They come from living through hardship and overcoming adversity. These values give founders an edge in the competitive startup landscape, where failure is a constant companion and success is never guaranteed.
Moreover, a middle-class mindset teaches founders to be resourceful and adaptable. When faced with limited resources, they learn to make do with what they have and find creative solutions to problems. This is a valuable skill in the startup world, where resources are often scarce and uncertainty is the norm.
Finally, a middle-class mindset helps founders stay grounded and focused on their mission. When success comes quickly, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype and forget why you started in the first place. A middle-class mindset keeps founders humble and reminds them of the values that drove them to start their company in the first place.
In conclusion, Sameer Maheshwari’s story is a testament to the power of a middle-class mindset in shaping entrepreneurial success. By instilling values like resilience, grit, and humility, it gives founders an edge in the competitive startup landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, a middle-class mindset can help you build a strong foundation for success.
Source: https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
