The Dark Side of Success: How Entrepreneurship Can Drive You Mad
As we march into October, the month of supposed "Mental Health Awareness", let’s not kid ourselves. The reality is, entrepreneurship is not a glamorous, romanticized journey. It’s a brutal, soul-crushing, and often, mind-destroying experience that can leave even the most hardened business leaders in shambles.
Think you’re immune to the dangers of entrepreneurship? Think again. The pressure, the stress, the constant need to "keep going" takes a toll on your mental health. And it’s not just the "little guys" who feel the burn. Even the "top dogs" of entrepreneurship must grapple with the weight of their own fragile egos and the crushing expectations of their teams.
Take Alison Weihe, a self-proclaimed "Identity Intelligence coach" (whatever that means). She’s seen it all, and she’s still got the scars to prove it. Her war stories of burnout, anxiety, and depression are nothing short of terrifying. But instead of hiding them, she’s decided to bare her soul, to bring attention to the dirty little secret of entrepreneurship: we’re all just one bad day away from a complete mental collapse.
And yet, instead of addressing the REAL issues, we’re stuck in the same old narrative of "toughen up, butt up, and get it done". No, this is not sustainable. The pressure to be "on" 24/7 is suffocating. The isolation is crippling. And the fear of failure is a constant, gnawing companion.
So, here’s the hard truth: entrepreneurs, stop playing the game of "I’m fine". Stop pretending like you’re not drowning in a sea of self-doubt and pressure. It’s time to face the music: you’re not alone, and you’re not the only ones struggling.
Will you continue to suffer in silence, or will you join the growing chorus of voices calling for change? The choice is yours. But know this: until we acknowledge the dark side of success, we’ll never be able to create a world where entrepreneurship is healthy, sustainable, and – dare I say it – kind.
