The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes “Awww!” ― Jack Kerouac, On the Road
One of my favorite things about being and working with entrepreneurs all day is how empowered, how self-directed they are. Entrepreneurs, the good ones at least, pursue their dreams and no one else’s. They are leaders.
The energy, the passion rubs off on you. I love it.
I recently befriended a senior executive at large, elite tech company. She was brilliant and talented, could jump through any hoop you threw at her, had a sterling resume. Her purpose, her goal in life? To win… and then retire.
To win… at what, I asked? At the game, she said. At the competition. Whatever it was.
She had such a big brain, but such a poorly developed internal guidance system.
She had no why.
I’m so spoiled from hanging out with all these entrepreneurs that I was shocked. I know people like this exist, but rarely do I include them in my life.
Yes, I live in a bubble. It’s a luxury I afford myself. A true luxury.
But man, what a waste! To be so talented, so prepared, so wealthy and strong and still… to have no fundamental system of values, no goal, no agenda for life other than to win a competition as defined by others.
It’s good to be reminded of this from time to time. It makes me look at my life––I have the freedom to hand-pick my peers!––and be grateful. Very, very grateful.
To all who strive, who struggle, who hurt and cry for their dreams: thank you. Thank you for inspiring me, for reminding me how to live. I appreciate you always, but especially today, especially right now.
