How does a middle-class mindset help build better founders?
As the CEO of HealthKart, Sameer Maheshwari has had a remarkable journey, and he attributes a significant part of his success to his middle-class upbringing. In a recent interview, Sameer shared how his humble beginnings instilled in him values that have been instrumental in shaping his entrepreneurial journey. He believes that a middle-class mindset can be a significant advantage for founders, providing them with a unique set of skills and perspectives that are difficult to replicate with wealth or privilege.
A middle-class background, by definition, means that one is not born with a silver spoon in their mouth. It means that every accomplishment is earned through hard work, determination, and sacrifice. Sameer’s experience is a testament to this. Growing up in a middle-class family, he had to work multiple part-time jobs to support his education and family. This instilled in him a strong work ethic, a sense of responsibility, and a willingness to learn from failures.
“Resilience is a byproduct of a middle-class mindset,” Sameer explains. “When you don’t have the luxury of falling back on your parents or a safety net, you learn to fall forward. You learn to pick yourself up and get back to work, no matter what obstacles come your way.” This resilience is essential for entrepreneurs, who often face numerous challenges and setbacks on their journey to success.
Another key aspect of a middle-class mindset is frugality. When you’re not used to having a lot of money, you learn to make every rupee count. You find ways to save, to cut costs, and to optimize resources. This frugality is a valuable asset for founders, who often have to make tough decisions about where to allocate their limited resources.
“Frugality is not just about saving money; it’s about being smart with your resources,” Sameer notes. “It’s about understanding that every decision you make has a ripple effect on your business, and being willing to make tough choices to ensure its success.” This mindset helps founders to be more innovative, to think outside the box, and to find creative solutions to complex problems.
Grit is another essential quality that a middle-class mindset instills in individuals. Grit is the combination of passion and perseverance that allows people to push through challenges and overcome obstacles. Sameer’s experience is a perfect example of this. Despite facing numerous setbacks and failures, he continued to work hard, to learn from his mistakes, and to push forward.
“Grit is not just about being stubborn or refusing to give up; it’s about being willing to put in the work required to achieve your goals,” Sameer explains. “It’s about being committed to your vision, even when the going gets tough, and being willing to adapt and evolve as circumstances change.” This grit is essential for founders, who often face significant challenges and setbacks on their journey to success.
So, how does a middle-class mindset help build better founders? For one, it provides them with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn from failures. It teaches them to be resilient, to adapt to changing circumstances, and to find creative solutions to complex problems. It also gives them a sense of responsibility and a willingness to make tough decisions, which is essential for entrepreneurs.
In addition, a middle-class mindset helps founders to develop a sense of humility and a willingness to listen and learn from others. When you’re not used to having all the answers, you’re more likely to seek out advice and guidance from others, and to be open to new ideas and perspectives.
“Middle-class founders are more likely to be humble and willing to learn from others,” Sameer notes. “They understand that they don’t have all the answers, and they’re willing to put in the work required to build a successful business.” This humility and willingness to learn are essential for entrepreneurs, who often face significant challenges and setbacks on their journey to success.
In conclusion, a middle-class mindset can be a significant advantage for founders. It provides them with a strong work ethic, resilience, frugality, and grit, which are essential qualities for entrepreneurs. It also gives them a sense of responsibility, humility, and a willingness to learn from others, which are crucial for building a successful business.
As Sameer Maheshwari’s story demonstrates, a middle-class mindset can be a powerful catalyst for entrepreneurial success. It’s not about having the right connections or the right amount of money; it’s about having the right mindset and the willingness to put in the work required to achieve your goals.
Source:
https://ascendants.in/founders-corner/middle-class-mindset-founder/
