Can Founders Find Contentment?

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeter delve into the anxiety surrounding contentment in the startup ecosystem. They question the conventional wisdom that equates contentment with stagnation and probes whether startup founders should aim for contentment as a goal. Through personal anecdotes and industry examples, they explore the influence of perpetual ambition and societal expectations on entrepreneurs. They also discuss the differences between being content and being complacent and reflect on the continuous urge to chase new problems and challenges, even when previous goals have been achieved.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:44 Questioning the Need for a Business Coach02:05 The Dilemma of Contentment vs. Ambition04:02 Reflecting on Milestones and Contentment07:35 The Nature of the Startup World15:23 Anxiety as a Driving Force20:51 The Anxiety of High Achievers22:11 The Pressure of Success: Avicii and Pharrell23:59 Imposter Syndrome Among Overachievers26:21 The Elusive Goal of Contentment29:08 Balancing Ambition and Contentment33:29 The Trap of Endless Ambition40:44 Finding True Satisfaction