In a YouTube video, Gary Vee addresses the glamorization of entrepreneurship and the dangerous illusions it creates. While we celebrate the Mark Zuckerbergs who struck gold in their 20s, we often overlook the harsh reality: 99.999% of entrepreneurs face years of struggle, self-doubt, and judgment before achieving success.
Having built multiple successful companies and invested in many others, Gary Vee emphasizes that the path to entrepreneurial success requires far more grit and resilience than most are willing to accept. Most people simply aren’t cut out for this journey, and that’s perfectly fine.
The Real Cost of Entrepreneurship
When you start a company, you put a target on your self-esteem. Unlike working for someone else, where you can blame your manager, the economy, or corporate politics for failures, entrepreneurship offers nowhere to hide. When your business fails — and statistically, most do — you alone bear that weight.
The psychological toll is severe. Many fall into depression when their public declarations of building something great crash into reality—your inner circle watches. Your reputation is on the line. There’s no corporate shield to protect your ego when things go wrong.
Natural Talent vs. Hard Work
Are entrepreneurs born or made? The truth lies somewhere in between. While some naturally possess stronger entrepreneurial instincts, success comes down to relentless effort and dedication.
Consider sports as a parallel: The greatest athletes weren’t just the most naturally talented – they were the ones who combined their gifts with obsessive work ethic. Raw talent without disciplined execution leads nowhere.
Early Signs of the Entrepreneurial Spirit
True entrepreneurs often show their colors early in life. They’re the kids shoveling snow while others build snowmen. They’re running lemonade stands while peers play video games. They’re mowing lawns in middle school to make extra money.
What separates them isn’t just the hustle – it’s their relationship with rejection. Real entrepreneurs view “no” as fuel rather than failure. When cars drive past their lemonade stand, or neighbors decline their services, they don’t quit. They learn resilience.
The Truth About Timing and Success
Success rarely comes quickly or easily. The notion that you must “get it right” on your first try is misguided. Many successful entrepreneurs failed multiple times before finding their winning formula.
Key points about timing and persistence:
– Most businesses take 3-7 years before showing real profit
– Initial failures often provide crucial learning experiences
– Pivoting and adapting strategies is normal and necessary
– Quick success stories are outliers, not the norm
The Role of Self-Esteem and Mindset
What often stops people isn’t lack of skill or opportunity – it’s fear of judgment. The entrepreneurial journey requires comfort with discomfort and resilience against public criticism.
Success demands dropping concern over others’ opinions and embracing the uncertainty of the journey. This mental fortitude separates those who persist from those who quit.
The Reality Check
Essential truths about entrepreneurship:
– It requires complete dedication – every day, hour, minute
– Most will face years of struggle before seeing success
– There’s no hiding from responsibility
– Natural talent helps but isn’t enough alone
– Fear of failure must be overcome
The entrepreneurial path isn’t for everyone – and that’s okay. Acknowledging this truth is better than wasting years chasing someone else’s dream. For those indeed called to build something, no amount of warning will deter them. They’ll shovel snow with broken tools, face rejection daily, and keep pushing forward because it’s in their DNA.
Success is achievable for those willing to pay the real price: years of dedication, countless setbacks, and the strength to keep going when others quit. The question isn’t whether you can succeed – it’s whether you’re willing to endure what it takes to get there.