My family thinks I'm crazy for starting a business

My friends and family say I’m crazy for wanting to start my own company. They think it’s risky. They ask if I’m “better than them.” But it’s not that… I just want to do it. Am I crazy? How can I convince them it’s a good idea, if I even should?

Starting your own company can indeed feel like a crazy leap. It’s not uncommon to face skepticism from those around you, especially friends and family, who may not fully understand your motivations. But rest assured, you’re not alone in this feeling or in facing such reactions. Many entrepreneurs have struggled with similar doubts and external pressures, often questioning their motives and abilities.

First, it’s important to acknowledge and prepare for the emotional challenges that accompany the startup journey. There will be moments when you feel overwhelmed or question your decisions, and that’s entirely normal. Many startups fail not because of flawed ideas, but because founders stop working on them due to emotional and psychological strain. The key is perseverance—an understanding that tough parts are inevitable and pushing through them without needing to have all the answers or perfect confidence. It’s about living through the experience, not overcoming it entirely as detailed in this article about the emotional rollercoaster of startups.

Concerns about how others perceive your ambitions, particularly whether they think you believe you’re “better” than them, can be painful. Often, negative reactions about your decisions come from those who have never embarked on a similar journey themselves. While their skepticism can sting, it’s crucial to remember their perspective lacks firsthand entrepreneurial experience. When people perceive highly ambitious choices as risky or unnecessary, it’s often because they haven’t seen the process through an entrepreneur’s eyes. In this article about selling my company, I explain why the reactions to my decision to sell Smart Bear were strikingly similar. Ultimately, making the decision that aligned with my goals and values was the right choice for me, irrespective of external judgments.

You shouldn’t feel the need to defend your ambitions to everyone. Understand that your path is unique and deeply personal. Focus on what drives you—your passion and your connection to the problem you’re solving—which will provide the personal motivation you need to face the challenges ahead. While confidence in your abilities is important, keep in mind it’s normal to doubt yourself. Overcoming impostor syndrome is part of the process, and channeling those doubts into a drive to learn and improve will serve you well.

Instead of convincing others, work on gathering constructive feedback and building a support network of people who can provide guidance and encouragement. Understand your motivations, and be clear on why you’re taking this leap. If these align with your ambitions and the kind of life you want to lead, hold onto that.

Finally, it’s equally valid to embark on this journey for yourself and not for validation from others. Remember, no one knows what’s right for you more than you do. Trust that if you feel compelled to bring your company to life, there’s a reason behind it worth pursuing. For more insights on navigating this process and balancing external advice with personal conviction, you might find my piece on distinguishing constructive criticism from bad business advice helpful.

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