The Burden of Unrealistic Expectations

In this episode Ryan and Will delve into the intense pressures faced by founders from investors, peers, and the startup community. They discuss how these external expectations often drive founders to pursue goals misaligned with their personal beliefs and values. The conversation explores how unchecked expectations can lead to burnout and misguided efforts. They share insights on the importance of auditing and resetting personal and business expectations to ensure they align with one's true goals and values. The hosts also highlight the dangers of comparing oneself to other founders or industry giants, and emphasize the significance of building a business that meets personal fulfillment rather than external benchmarks.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/st...Websitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn   / startups-co  Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter  / wilschroter  Ryan Rutan  / ryan-rutan  What to listen for:00:32 The Source of Pressure and Expectations03:32 Investor Expectations and Their Impact04:05 Personal Story: Missing Investor Expectations05:44 The Reality of Investor Expectations10:15 Comparing Yourself to Other Founders17:45 The Peer Comparison Trap18:06 Personal Journey: From Poverty to Success20:01 The Futility of Social Media Comparisons23:07 Tying Success to Self-Worth28:20 The Illusion of Goals and Success31:53 Reevaluating Startup Expectations36:43 Conclusion: Building What Matters to You