[rab_oof]

Notes from the trenches:

There's a million and N ways to die, both as a company and an individual, if you let them. Basically, expect failure as a default state, don't (or try not to) take it personally. Don't give up on something that people want (and will pay money for)... you may hit 2 to 5 patches where it's "this sucks, I wanna die" times. Get over it (you can if you really want it bad enough), move ahead. (If not, take a break and recover... Working crazy hours/conditions if it kills you doesn't help anyone.) Even if you have to live in a car or tent, put in the effort to make the best shot possible. It's basically impossible to die of starvation in Amerika at least... More caffeine, exercise and less "ambient eating"... Self-restraint is paramount. Get back in the saddle, get up off the ground, another biz model awaits expermentation... Maybe have some survivor bias eventually, if not start a practical business. It'll all work out, on way or another. Have a good time along the way. :) No one has a perfect formula or perfect advice, just do the best possible and hire people that do whatever it is much better.

(Picking cofounders carefully as one would their SO, because it's effectively marriage.)

[mtrimpe]

Playing the game from a weak base and trying to win through tricks (sleeping in a car, caffeine, etc., etc.) is not a good approach. It's like switching from the poker game to the slot-machines so you can try to hit the jackpot with those last nickels.

Having a strong base to build on is much more powerful. Have good health. Good relationships. Good savings. Good income potential. Use that base to build your company on; when the base breaks down rebuild it first and only then resume work on your company.

It's much more powerful in the long term; and especially so after 30 when your body can no longer handle everything that's thrown it at.