How Does a Middle-Class Mindset Help Build Better Founders?
As a founder, one of the most significant challenges you’ll face is building a resilient and sustainable business. It’s a journey that requires unwavering determination, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose. But what sets successful founders apart from those who struggle? According to Sameer Maheshwari, CEO of HealthKart, it’s the middle-class mindset that plays a crucial role in shaping their entrepreneurial journey.
In a recent conversation with Ascendants, Sameer shared how his middle-class upbringing taught him invaluable lessons that have helped him navigate the challenges of building and scaling a business. Growing up without privilege or safety nets, he learned to earn everything, turning hardship into strength. This mindset, he believes, gives founders an edge by instilling values that no money can buy – a true entrepreneurial advantage.
Resilience: The Middle-Class Mindset’s Greatest Strength
One of the most significant benefits of a middle-class mindset is the ability to develop resilience. When you grow up with limited resources, you learn to adapt quickly and make do with what you have. Sameer recounts how, as a child, he would often help his parents with their small business, teaching him the value of hard work and resourcefulness. This experience instilled in him a sense of resilience that has served him well throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
As a founder, resilience is essential. It’s the ability to bounce back from setbacks, rejections, and failures. When you’re building a business, you’ll face numerous challenges, from funding issues to talent management. A middle-class mindset helps you develop the mental toughness to overcome these obstacles, enabling you to stay focused on your vision and navigate the uncertainty of entrepreneurship.
Frugality: The Art of Making Do with What You Have
Another essential value instilled by a middle-class mindset is frugality. When you grow up with limited resources, you learn to make do with what you have, finding creative ways to stretch your budget and maximize your resources. This mindset serves founders well, as it helps them to prioritize and allocate resources effectively, making the most of every dollar, hour, and opportunity.
As Sameer notes, “In my early days, I used to sleep on a mattress on the floor, and my family would share a single room. We didn’t have much, but we made do with what we had. This experience taught me the value of frugality, and it’s a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my entrepreneurial journey.”
Grit: The Power of Perseverance
Grit, the ability to persevere in the face of adversity, is another essential quality that a middle-class mindset instills. When you’re building a business, you’ll face numerous challenges, from market competition to team management. A middle-class mindset helps you develop the grit to push through these obstacles, staying focused on your vision and committed to your goals.
Sameer’s own journey is a testament to the power of grit. Despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges, he remained committed to his vision of building a successful business. His perseverance paid off, and today, HealthKart is a leading player in the health and wellness industry.
Conclusion
A middle-class mindset is not just a matter of circumstance; it’s a state of mind that can be cultivated and harnessed to build a successful business. By embracing the values of resilience, frugality, and grit, founders can develop the mental toughness, resourcefulness, and perseverance needed to overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship.
As Sameer notes, “I believe that a middle-class mindset gives founders an edge. It’s not just about the resources you have or the connections you make; it’s about the values you instill in yourself and the way you approach challenges. When you grow up with limited resources, you learn to earn everything, and that’s a mindset that can serve you well throughout your entrepreneurial journey.”
Source:
https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
