After years of analyzing entrepreneurial success and failure, I’ve realized most people don’t love their businesses—they love what they think their businesses can do for them. This insight, echoed by Gary Vee, reveals why so many ventures fail.
The issue isn’t work ethic or strategy, it’s motivation. Entrepreneurs burn out not from working too hard, but from chasing the wrong things. They focus on outcomes instead of loving the process. True success comes from embracing the journey, not just the rewards.
The Real Reason Behind Entrepreneurial Burnout
Think about someone you truly love. Despite their flaws and occasional disappointments, you stick with them. True business success requires this same unconditional commitment – a love for the daily grind, including the headaches and challenges.
From Gary’s experience mentoring thousands of entrepreneurs, here are the key differences between those who succeed and those who burn out:
- Successful entrepreneurs embrace the daily challenges as part of the journey
- Failed entrepreneurs focus solely on end goals (money, status, freedom)
- Winners find joy in the process, regardless of immediate results
- Quitters need constant validation and quick wins to stay motivated
The Curiosity Factor
What’s truly holding most people back isn’t lack of opportunity – it’s lack of curiosity. Fear and insecurity often override our natural inclination to explore and try new things. Gary has seen this repeatedly in his consulting work: people stay stuck in unfulfilling careers simply because they’re afraid to experiment.
The real fix for all of you that are stuck is curiosity. So many people are lacking a gene, a trait called curiosity. Some of them have curiosity but unfortunately, in some people’s body, insecurity beats it.
The Working Hours Myth
Gary recently spoke with someone who proudly claimed they worked six hours daily. That’s fine if you want to make $30,000-$50,000 annually, but it won’t build an empire. Success requires intensity and commitment – not just time management.
Here’s what real commitment looks like:
- 10-12 hours daily focused on your primary goals
- Willingness to work weekends when needed
- Multiple revenue streams running simultaneously
- Constant learning and adaptation
Personal Journey of Gary
From ages 22 to 34, he worked 18-hour days, seven days a week, at his father’s liquor store. He paid Gary almost nothing, but he never burned out. Why? Because he wasn’t chasing money or status – he had a mission to repay his parents for their sacrifices.
When he started VaynerMedia, he operated from a tiny conference room with minimal resources. Gary didn’t have money, but he had passion and purpose. That’s what kept him going when others would have quit.
The New Entrepreneurial Landscape
Today’s digital economy offers unprecedented opportunities. Platforms like TikTok Shop and Whatnot allow anyone to start selling immediately. But here’s what most people miss: these platforms aren’t just about making money – they’re about discovering what you love.
I recommend everyone try selling something online, even for a few hours. You might discover a passion you never knew existed. The beauty of these platforms is they allow for low-risk experimentation.
Final Thoughts
Success isn’t about avoiding failure or hardship – it’s about loving the journey so much that obstacles become irrelevant. If you’re constantly watching the clock or checking your bank balance, you’re probably in the wrong business.
Stop chasing outcomes and start falling in love with the process. When you truly love what you do, burnout becomes impossible. Every challenge becomes an opportunity to grow, and every setback just adds to your story.
Remember: The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the ones who never face problems – they’re the ones who love solving them.