[andreskytt]

Background: many of my former colleagues and team members have made it big. Really, 7-10 figures, big.

Firstly, it is not a lottery. There are several hygiene factors like being smart but the key differenting factor they all share is likeability. They all work well in teams and/or have been able to sustain a team of friends working through literal decades of moderate success and failure. This skill I do not have and that’s why I’m “merely” comfortable in my life.

Secondly, recognize you can’t jump over yourself. You are the sum of all the actions you have ever taken. Had you made different choices and not “wasted” your life, you’d be a different person now. Maybe a worse person?

Thirdly, everything in life has a price. People demonstrate success and hide the price. Children are awesome but are hard work and a huge amount of mental stress. A startup is a mental commitment taking a huge toll. Knowing the price of his success you are unlikely to be willing the price, trust me on this. It’s like a marathon: you are happy when you’re done and get a medal, but making yourself run one knowing the hurt coming your way is a different matter.

[throwaway_poor]

Interesting - my friend, without being particularly charismatic, is indeed very likable and has worked with some of the people involved for decades.