At some point during the startup process the shine of a new venture starts to wear off. Some call it the Trough of Disillusionment and some just call it a normal part of being an entrepreneur. When I hear entrepreneurs talk about what they’re working towards, and the tone of their voice is optimism wrapped in fatigue, I know that they’re feeling the grind.
Here are a few thoughts on settling in for the grind:
- Know that most “overnight successes” take 7-10 years
- Join a peer group like EO or YPO
- Find a few mentors and use a worksheet to guide the conversation
- Pace yourself with a work/life blend
The grind is real. Every entrepreneur goes through it. The key is to recognize it in the moment and stay focused on the mission.
What else? What are some more thoughts on settling in for the grind?
David Cummings on Startups 
I’ve found that mental and physical well-being have taken a dip for me over the past couple of years while working on my startup. So, I get out to run when it’s not freezing (an excuse, I know, but I also live in Boston…so…it’s really freakin’ cold) and my insurance affords me the opportunity to meet with a therapist on a regular basis to decompress to someone who can give an unbiased perspective of the craziness that is this lifestyle.