The Unintended Consequences of Startups
There is only one way I can imagine running a startup, obsessively giving it everything you’ve got. In my opinion its what separates the winners from everyone else, and it’s the only way I’d ever be able to look back on this experience without regret. But that kind of dedication comes with a price. And anyone who has chosen a path of starting a business can tell you the unintended consequences of startups.
For the past 2 years I’ve neglected my health, family, and friends. For most of my adult life, I was about 165 pounds. I’m almost 210 pounds these days, and trust me when I say my body’s not meant to carry this much weight. 2 years ago I was running 6 miles a day 3 times a week, and playing competitive basketball and tennis.
After we raised our first round of capital I regularly started staying in the office until 2am. I found myself so physically and mentally spent by the weekend that I typically slept most the day on Saturday, before I went back to work on Sundays. I was so inactive, I’m convinced now my muscles started to atrophy and I tore the ligament in my right foot, trying to finally exercise one day. Compensating for that injury I tore my left calf, and it’s been 5 months since I’ve been able to run or jog.
It took me a while to admit that I was stressed out, and even longer to realize I would turn to food to compensate for that stress. Over the past year, I’ve become a more solitary person with my thoughts and emotions than I’ve ever been, while increasingly becoming a public figure who’s known as an outgoing social networker and showman. It’s a strange dichotomy.
My family has been both incredibly supportive but also upset that I’ve seemingly disappeared. I have three (quite) older siblings, and we’re undeniably close. But while they’re all proud of me, they disapprove of my unbalanced lifestyle. My brother and I share opposing sides of duplex, he’s literally a wall away from me. But I can often go 2 weeks without seeing or talking to him. My sisters are busy raising their kids, so they can relate a bit more. But like so many others, our conversation often come back to them asking me “why don’t you ever want to talk about what’s going on in your life”.
My father who I love dearly, isn’t only from another generation/country, he might as well be from another planet. He struggles the most to be supportive; I know he’s at least a little disappointed I didn’t practice law and take over the family real estate business. A lot of what I do is to make him proud and prove to him that all his hard work for his children was not in vain. If it were up to my father, we’d spend everyday together going to lunch and “working” side by side. I get to see him about once a week. He’s almost 80 and every time I see him I try and cherish the interactions, because I don’t know how many will be left.
When it comes to my family though, my lack of time affects me most in relation to my mom. My mother has been severely ill for the last 6 years. Due to mental illness that set in later in life, and a very early onset of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, she can’t hold a conversation, stand, eat, or function at all without full time caregivers. She is the person that has done more for me than anyone else, and was always my biggest cheerleader. She lives about 5 minutes away from my home. She doesn’t always remember my name, but every time I see her she lights up, and when I say “I love you”, she always says it back. I could leave the office every night at 8:00pm and give her a hug and kiss, spend a half hour with her, but I don’t. Our first office was across the street from her (not accidentally), and I’d walk over during the day to check on her. Since we moved further away, I typically go by to see her once every two weeks. It’s a choice I’m not very proud of.
Friends are a little bit easier to handle, I’ve have the same ones since I was 5, and you build up a little bit of “friendship equity” after 20+ years. But for a long time they did stop calling me, knowing I always turned down plans for work. It was a little disconcerting to see my closest friends just write me off for the time being as someone who was never free to hang out. But there were also cases of severe strains with some of my close friends. I pulled back from engaging and interacting with them, and felt that if someone wasn’t at that startup with me on a daily basis, that it took too much effort to try and explain the intricacies and emotions of the experience.
Dating has been a totally surreal experience. I went from being a hopeless romantic “when harry met sally” type, to literally not even thinking about relationships in the least bit. The extent of my effort with girls for a long time consisted of texting them on a Friday/Saturday night at 11pm to meet up when I had finished my work.
I think I’ve reached my breaking point, at least for now, and mostly in regards to my health. Somehow I know my relationships will work out, but I often find myself feeling like I’m working at 40% of my capacity and energy, and I think its due in large part to poor physical habits. So I’m going to drop 30lbs in the next 60 days, and will take a bet against anybody that thinks I can’t do it. As you can see even that I have to do obsessively.
In the last year I’ve probably met close to a thousand entrepreneurs. And the ones I’ve consistently bonded with the most, were those folks willing to do whatever it took, and make any sacrifices to be successful. Starting and running a company is the joy of my life right now, and gives me a greater sense of purpose than anything I’ve done before. Its come with a price though, and I know a lot of other folks like me are thinking through and struggling with issues of balance and the unintended consequences of pouring yourself into that which you love and defines you.
April 18th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Hey Jason, I definitely understand exactly what you are talking about. Working 14 hour days and living and breathing your work. Unfortunately that is what we have to do to make this happen. I also made a decision a few months ago to take care of the health more and got recommended some really powerful organic products by a doctor friend of mine and they have done wonders. Liquid cleanse as well as a liquid multivitamin with over 200 nutrients. Buzz me up and I will get you hooked up. Watching Docstoc grow has been great. Keep up the great work but yes, take care of that health man.
Costa
April 18th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Hey Jason!
This is a really moving piece… It gave me an insight of who you are! Thumbs up!
Nancy
April 18th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Jason,
The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging it. Congratulations!
Your weight loss goal is admirable and motivational. However, please reconsider the timeframe. 30 lbs/14 kg in 60 days is a LOT of weight, and it may not be healthy to lose that much weight that quickly. Even if you do, you may create more stress for yourself, which you have already recognized as one of the challenges you want to address. I think most people would consider 30 lbs in two years to be rapid weight gain. 30 lbs in 60 days is, um, insane weight loss.
Keep your 30 lb goal. Extend your timeframe. Start running again, and start enjoying your startup more!
April 18th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Jason,
As a fellow law school grad and Internet entrepreneur I feel every word of what you are saying. But remember, you can have a successful company and a balanced life as well.
Creative Citizen just moved into the Mahalo offices, and I have to say, Jason Calacanis is a good example of how to keep a great balance of work and personal life. Eat well, try to get an hour of exercise in, and hand off things to people who can handle it. You’ve raised enough money to hand off some tasks to your employees, instead of it affecting your health and well being.
Hope to see you soon, sorry I couldn’t make your event last week, I had a family get together that I forgot about before I RSVPd. Take my advice, family is very important.
April 18th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Jason,
Good luck on achieving your weight loss goal. I believe you can do it. I’ve been using a popular program called P90X with great success. I am in no way affiliated with them, just a fan.
You can see my blog post on the program here.
Good luck. Keep us posted on your results.
April 18th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
The meaning of “passion” is “to suffer”. Entrepreneurs have an amazing amount of passion and this zeal can blind us to the balance we need to succeed. I applaud your willingness to share this with the world. Your awareness matched with focus and discipline can create positive change.
Best wishes on your realignment of habits. We are, after all, a collection of habits.
@scottyhendo
April 18th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Jason, This was a very honest post. Its a post that a lot of us can relate to. Before we realize our life is consumed by running and trying to make success of our internet ventures – trying to move faster than our competition we work harder than ever. Work never seems to stop and even when not working, one is thinking about work. I can 100% relate to what you wrote in this post.At the end of it, I am glad that you took a resolve about your health – health and relations (friends, family) are really the biggest things in life. I myself set a goal about my health about a month back. Trying to exercise atleast 3 times a week regularly.
My best wishes on your health goal. I am sure you will do it!
April 18th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Hey Jason,
This is Megan. I met you about 2 years ago when I was working at Pepperdine for the Palmer Center. I was doing a google search and was so excited when docstoc popped up. Poking around on that site eventually led me to this page. I’m glad to see that you are taking some time for yourself. Even back then, I remember you telling me how you were staying up all night on phone calls to India, etc. Your success and great character are admirable and inspiring and have challenged me to do great things, but I was somewhat aware of the fact that was at the expense of your health and personal life. I’m glad to see that you’re ready to make a change. I’m really sorry to hear about your mother. She’s in my thoughts. Good luck on the weight loss (although I agree with the other poster, that might be a little fast…maybe 2 pounds/week is better) Take care and I hope to see you again one day!
April 18th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Hey Man,
It looks like you’ve had a “stop and smell the roses” moment. Your health and your relationships are at least as important as your professional passion. I’m confident that you’ll find a balance that you’re happier with.
Sadiq
April 18th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Jason,
Very honest post – good luck with your weight goal. If you ever want to work out I’m @ Equinox most mornings, a block from our offices. Remember – once you achieve the professional success you will achieve, you need to be healthy enough to a) enjoy it b) keep it up! Your investors will be equally as proud with your longevity as they will with your drive. You’ll make it man.
Michael
April 18th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Please get healthier and tell me how ya do it. This business can be tough on us all, and I’m feeling it too. Wishing you the best.
April 18th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Jason,
Read “The Power of Full Engagement” it was a WSJ top book about work life balance and how you will be more productive with it.
April 19th, 2009 at 12:12 am
You can do it. I am about 60 days ahead of you. I have a whole different set of circumstances on the personal side (I am married with 2 kids, etc) but in January I decided I needed a change. My startup took a toll these past 2.5 years and last year after raising $ I pushed even harder. Same story, my weight went up, no time for the family or friends, etc. I finally decided to get back to running, and I also started hitting the gym.
The only advice I can give you is to start slow and be patient. I now run 4 miles 3 times a week and I hit the gym twice a week as well for about 1 hour. I feel rejuvenated, my capacity to focus is back, I feel much more productive, and more importantly I see things clearer. Just make sure you also slowly change your eating habits. Try to sleep at least 6 hours. I got 2 small kids and working late was a killer for me since I got developers abroad and would go to bed at 3am and wake up at 6:30 invariably with the kids (once they are awake…everybody else has to
.
Go Jason GO!
Jose,
April 19th, 2009 at 12:42 am
why dont you start training for a marathon? theres a great one at camp pendelton in september. now is a perfect time to start!
April 19th, 2009 at 3:23 am
You can do it, man!
You deserve to look out for yourself. You’ve certainly earned it. Heck, if Arrington can take a month in Hawaii, why can’t you? (I know things aren’t as bad as they were for Arrington, but I’m still always a big fan of yes giving it all you’ve got, but also looking out for yourself and taking some time for a breather. There are some insane deals on TravelZoo.com right now. Take a well deserved break, if that is something you’d enjoy!
April 19th, 2009 at 9:35 am
A cautionary tale, and I think we can all learn from it.
I’ve been here and done this, and occasionally still do, but, in the end, I found the right balance.
I did the weight loss in the same time as you too, but I advise against it, just focus on getting to the gym four times a week. As your overall health improves, it’ll come flying off, and you’ll find doing less hours is actually more productive in the end.
The number of hours have always been much less important than what you do in them
Good luck.
J.
April 19th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Good luck Jason! It’s good to steam off sometimes.
April 20th, 2009 at 3:46 am
Hey Jason, excellent story. I could relate to everything you were talking about. I’ve done it in the past, and am probably obsessive about it again now; I want to succeed more than anything. But yes, there are unintended consequences, that is for absolute sure.
I also have found myself missing out on “life” and have had the family issues. The first time I did it, it lead to a divorce. The next time I was on a roll and trying to get a business going, my 2nd wife got ill. I did all I could to limit my work so that I could take care of her… I learned from the first experience. And that business failed, but it was worth it to be with her up until the time she passed away.
Well, this time, I’m single, and my kids are grown up, so I don’t have that to worry about, but my Mom and Dad are almost 90 yrs old, and I feel bad that I can’t spend more time with them. But I try to when I can.
The weight loss thing CAN be done, and I did it. However, I did it right after my wife passed away. She was the one that got me in a habit of eating a lot of stuff that was obviously going to put on the pounds. So, my change in diet was a huge part of the weight loss, but it was also excercise, too. I started by walking right after my wife died, and it was in the dead of winter here. With my snow boots and heavy winter cloths on, I’d walk about a mile through snow at least every other day. From 185 down to 150 – in just 60 days!
You can do it. Writing what you wrote will help you and there will be plenty of people now that will give you support!
To your success!
johnny2k (from Digg.com)
April 20th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Hello Jason,
I appreciate what you’re saying and I can identify with you.
But this is the life we have chosen. I have not worked for anyone since college. I love what I do but it comes at a price. Just like working for someone else comes at a price. The trick is to balance things.
Keep up the good work.
Stepan
April 20th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Health and family are most important! Do what you’ve gotta do man. And steer clear from refined sugars and high sodium products. I also have some good reading suggestions for you. I’ll give those to you when I see you at the next event.
April 20th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Oh… You were working when you were at Docstoc until 2:00 a.m.
I always thought you just watching porn, taking advantage of your two screens and high speed internet. Hence, the no need for a girl friend or exercise.
April 20th, 2009 at 11:06 am
[...] from every entrepreneur or wanna-be entrepreneur — by Jason Nazar, founder of Docstoc, on the unintended consequences of startups. Jason [...]
April 20th, 2009 at 11:13 am
J,
What a awesome post, I too can relate 110%. Having been diagnosed 2x with Shingles in 3 years, and having other “stress” related medical issues, you gotta chose a point to draw the line in the sand.
Now, after a couple bouts with serious health issues, I know better.
It’s up to US, to make time for ourselves, stay healthy and be happy…
IMHO: $, success, power and fame are all completely useless if you cannot enjoy life to the fullest!
Seriously, awesome post Bro!!! 30lbs? I wanna see 35lbs – and to “doubt you”, I know better
April 20th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Jason, this is a wonderful post. Good luck in your efforts. I won’t bet against you but I’ll bet on you if someone will take that bet.
April 20th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Jason,
When I first ran across your marketing efforts I (now know erroneously) assumed ‘here goes yet another self-promoting soul-less digital media a-hole’. Then I read a blog where you compared the technology architectures approaches of Silicon Valley vs. Digital Hollywood and thought: ‘OK, he tapped into my consciousness and stole my wisdom’. I would NOT admit someone your age could have the kind of depth you displayed. Well I was WRONG! And this piece proves that not only your have depth but, even more importantly and impressively, you have COURAGE! The stuff real entrepreneurs are made off. The real RIGHT STUFF!
Pls send me an email, would love to connect in person and exchange ideas. For info, I am an immigrant (like your father) but obsessive about my start-ups (like you). Pretty good combo
….–bb
PS – According to Dr. Oz losing that much weight in that short of time is not healthy, extend it to 120 days; over-achieving in this case is not a good thing and you’ll take even more time away from your loved ones.
April 20th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Jason,
Glad to hear you’re seeking balance, because I can assure you, making your company a success is meaningless if you lose friends, family, your health, time for yourself — essentially your life.
I’d strongly encourage you to go well beyond just losing weight, and make time for friends, seeing a movie, dating, taking a walk, even watching TV — put stuff like this in your schedule. I lost friends, relationships, life opportunities and even ended up in the hospital a few times due to work.
It ain’t worth it.
There’s so much of life that isn’t about your company, no matter how much you like working on it (trust me, there’s a lot of things you can do that you’ll enjoy just as much!). For myself, I set fairly regular hours in the office, and then I leave; I’m rarely in the office past 7pm. That doesn’t mean I don’t work at home, or in a coffee shop, but I find working outside the office is relaxing and wholly changes the stress level. Further, I make time to do other stuff, including doing NOTHING. The best part of this from the workaholic standpoint, is that when I’m having fun or doing nothing, my passion about work isn’t completely turned “off”; in fact, some of my best thinking and most creative problem solving comes when I’m drinking a glass of wine with friends, running, reading a book or weeding in my backyard.
So set limits, and stop working so much. I’ll bet you’ll be surprised by how much productive you’ll be, and the rest of your life will fulfill you as well.
50 cents from another obsessed Type A who has found a little balance!!
April 20th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
being a startup entrepreneur is like entering battle field, either you win or lose, there is no third choice!! use all the tools at your disposal….i follow gita (famous hindu sanskrit scripture) just do it without fear, don’t think of results, we are all part of the bigger game!!
April 20th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Jason, your honesty and insights are truly astounding. I am sure this post will help many re-think their daily modus operandi. Passion is a wonderful thing, but when it crosses into obsession it generally comes along with a host of consequences. I have personally backed many entrepreneurs and to a person they’ve all worked hard and lived and breathed the business. But I sincerely hope none of them are pushing themselves quite as hard and as far as you have, both because I think it isn’t good for the company or, in the long run, for themselves.
I hope you are able to discover a work/life balance that fits your needs. It isn’t easy; I fall prey to similar challenges in my own different but related world. All the best and thanks again for writing.
April 20th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Very true. The startup obsession can really take over your life and can cause a lot of damage some precious relationships.
Good luck with getting back in shape. Way to go!
April 20th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Jason,
I had a similar struggle two years ago and managed to shed 30 pounds and have made a huge improvement in my body composition.
I accomplished this with just a few different food choices and a concentrated exercise plan (no more than 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week).
Scott
April 20th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Jason,
Great post and hugely motivating to know I am not alone!! The very best of luck to you, personally and professionally. I am sure you can shed the pounds – you’ll have to post progress reports and tips as you go!
All the best,
Neil
April 20th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
What I meant to finish above was that I’m happy to share my experience and what worked/didn’t work for me.
Jason, thanks for sharing your story and best of luck!
Scott
April 20th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Good luck brother. All of us in your in startup land are feeling your pain and can understand the struggle. I have faith it will work out okay for you. Your too good of a guy for it not to work out.
April 20th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Thanks for posting the link to this on twitter, I may not have caught it otherwise.
It’s definitely inspiring to see you are so very focused on your work. It’s also good news that you’ve made your health a high priority (I’m currently recovering from the 10KM Sun Run – or Sun Walk in my case).
In any case, the post was a great read and has definitely given me some things to think about.
Will
April 20th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Hey Jason – thanks for posting openly about how many of us feel inwardly. I remember that guy from the first picture when you and I both met at the Techcruch40 practice pitch at Sequoia. Good luck with your mission and let me know if/how I can help.
-Matt
xobni.com
April 20th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Knowing J, I’d be remiss if I didn’t warn gamblers not to bet against him.
Best of luck J, with the goal but more importantly with the renewed focus on balance. There’s an inverse relationship between quantity and quality (where the lines cross and the math doesn’t work anymore) so I’m a huge believer of the value of work/life balance in the start-up world.
Back to work now so I can “live” later… tonight
April 20th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Please reframe your weightloss goal into a fat loss goal. If you loose more than 2.5 – 3 pounds a week you’re going to be loosing muscle (and, at least initially, a lot of water), which does _not_ help you to be more balanced- you’ll be weaker, less energetic, and your metabolism will be slower (affecting your hormones, depression, and making it far, far more likely that you’ll add back the weight plus some).
I mean, doesn’t trying to have a balance life imply… well, balance?
Fix your goal up and then good luck!
April 20th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Thanks for being so honest about your journey. Being an entrepreneur is exciting and I would never go back to Corp. America, but it does take it’s toll.
What plans do you have to position your company so you can step away and find the balance you need? Figure out what it will take and incorporate that into your strategic plan. Even if it takes 2 years to get there, knowing you are planning for that stage can make it easier to go through the rough times.
Thanks,
Alicia
April 20th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
You can do it Jason!
Between high school and UCSB, I dropped about 40lbs and it wasn’t that hard. Just exercise each day, no fast food, and no eating late night.
If you ever need a reason to go for a walk, Macy and I would be happy to accompany you. Socializing and exercising…two birds, one stone.
Melissa
April 21st, 2009 at 12:02 am
Hay Jason, great post. Congrats you decided to change the things.
I wish you All The Best. Surely you can do it.
April 21st, 2009 at 9:09 am
Hey Jason…
ALL the best, you deserve your time to take care of your health.
April 21st, 2009 at 11:52 am
hi dude,
cheers! what a nice insight..i can relate it to in the same way. But i have a few things to say, which i had to learn the “hard” way while managing to bring up my own startup, which fortunately now is doing good.
- Dont “overdo” the body; the human body is made up to withstand a grreat amount of physical and mental stress, but at one point , its going to betray you when you will need it the most.
-Even if you have to do hard work, try to do everything in day..rather wake up at 5:00 AM and hit bed at 10:00/11:00 PM. But, DO make it a sleep to point.
TECHINCAL EXPLANATION: Body needs some damn necessary hormones to fight toxins/particles/cleansing of body/”servicing” of body parts. Most of these hormones are produced in niht between 9:00 PM till 4:00 AM morning. And, the body expects yo to be in sleeping state at these times, else it delays the cycles, and for this reason your blood composition goes for a toss, and your carbo/cholestrol levels go haywire, and cause many many things, most importnatly chronic headaches, due to lack of B12.
-Lastly make it a point to have a glass of lukewarm water mixed with lemon juice (without sugar/honey/salt etc..). This is the only known method to reduce weight without doing *anything*. Do this for regular 15 days, then measure wtight again.
good luck!!
April 21st, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Nice blog entry. Work. Eat. Exercise. Socialize. Sleep. Repeat.
It’s easy to get caught up in excess and finding balance is the only way to sustain life.
Mark Rose
Co-Founder
Spare Change
April 21st, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Jason,
You are doing great job! I will recommend increasing the productivity by doing some exercise every alternate day. I am going thru the same phase of life. We all avoid exercise as much as we can but I noticed it increases productivity. If you want to lose weight you can do it just remember
Impossible = I m possible
Take care and don’t forget to meet mom every 2-3 days.
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:28 am
Hey Jason, health is wealth…do take care…i wish you all the success.
April 22nd, 2009 at 3:11 am
Jason is one of my best friends in the world. Since we were 15. (We are older now.) That was a heartfelt entry Jason wrote, and I admire him for wanting to fix these things, and i believe he will. But allow me to just say that yes he works a lot and yes it’s important, but that he also is a great friend and family member. he is always there for his family when they need him. and he is always there for me when i need him. which is often. and often at inopportune times. jason’s the best.
they are scales, so they’ll tip to one side or the other now and again. but i think he’ll find his balance soon enough.
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:04 am
[...] The Unintended Consequences of Startups Jason Nazar’s Blog. [...]
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:12 am
This was very moving and touching as I can relate to the family issues you are experiencing and have experienced this too. This is why I get to the gym for 2 hrs almost everyday- it has become a balance in my life and a little time for myself during the day to regroup, think and gain more confidence to get me through the rest of the day. I recommend Health Force Vitamineral Green Powder- Its great for the immune system and energy and clarity-
Turns in roads may seem like objects, but are actually roads that lead to more fulfilling rewards…..
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:20 am
I have no doubt that you can do this Jason. Now that you have put your mind to it, you will attract and achieve this goal just like you have with your other goals in business and entrepreneurship. Take some more time for yourself – perhaps a jog every morning before the craziness of the day sets in? You’d be surprised at how much more effective you will be during the day if you are able to get up and move a exercise – at least just for a 10 min jog before the day sets in. If you’d like to play a game of tennis while you are on your exercise kick, let me know and I’ll see you on the court.
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:46 am
[...] is a touching blog post on this topic by Jason Nazar, founder of DocStoc. If you are an entrepreneur, don’t miss [...]
April 24th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Can’t wait to see the new slimmer Jason.. and the follow up posts.
April 24th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
[...] The Unintended Consequences of Startups [...]
April 26th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Should be retitled “The Obvious Consequences of Completely Irresponsibly Mismanaging Your Life and Work”
| There is only one way I can imagine running a startup, obsessively giving it everything you’ve got.
And that means running yourself into the ground?
Buddy. Get a clue. Is the only way to run a marathon sprinting until you’re forced to stop? Is it? Get a sustainable work lifestyle and you’ll be able to build more, better, and more ambitious ventures.
Or you could see if you make it to the first water station. (You won’t)
April 27th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
good stuff.
write it down
act on it
April 28th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Once, back when I was a documentary filmmaker (which is another name for entrepreneur, only with much less money and literally no instinct for self-preservation), I’d spun around to face a very large, very savagely-fanged, VERY pissed off Mother Bear…who’d just chased me 50 yards down a deserted trail in maternal defense of her cubs. Feeling my demise was at hand, I spun around and yelled at her—like she was some Rodeo Drive poodle with a pompom tail. Quite surprisingly, and to my everlasting gratitude, she did not devour me.
I’ve been patting myself on the back for years thinking what a courageous act that was, but now…well…you’ve raised the bar, Jason Lawrence. Raised it high. I feel incredibly honored that you shared the link to this post with me. Honored and—to be honest—amazed at your profound courage.
Few people are truly willing to scrutinize their life situation, and then take full responsibility for whatever quagmire they find themselves floundering in. Fewer still are willing to reveal their “unintended consequences” to an audience, much less commit to reversing the entropy of connection they’ve allowed with others…but particularly with themselves. What sheer, unadulterated bravery–obviously just one of many wonderful attributes you possess.
Of the 423 bits of hard-earned wisdom I’d love to share with you concerning this subject, however, I’ll grace you with only 2 (since it is your blog, not mine):
1. It is not your body’s fault you’ve put on weight. Punishing it with crash-dieting is an odd way of showing gratitude to a beautiful vehicle that’s done everything you’ve asked of it—and so much more—under extremely adverse conditions. Making health part of your business model might serve you far better than blitzkrieging your liver with released toxins (one of the many ill-effects of rapid weight loss).
2. That photo of you seated in the chair is not who you are, nor does it even slightly resemble the amazing person I met in March. Wanting to return to that state of athletic grace you once reveled in is one thing; it’s quite another if you’re carrying that image around in your head, thinking that’s who you are, what you look like, or even what other people see. A definite case of mistaken identity.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Jason,
Great, honest post (that I just stumbled across). All of us type A startup founders are in the same boat so I can more than empathize. I just moved to LA (after spending most of my career in the SF startup world) and I’ve heard a ton about what you’ve done to energize the LA startup community (its a ton to do in addition to running a startup full-time).
Good luck with the new fitness regime… I disagree with those saying it’s an extreme approach (all of us only really have one mode and that’s a tad extreme, so might as well roll with it). For what its worth, I’ve been practicing yoga pretty regularly now and its been quite helpful for both fitness and relaxation. It’s easy to keep thinking about work when you’re on a run, easier to get away from it for an hour when you’re in a yoga class. Just a tip!
Drop a line if you ever need a running partner.
Greg
June 4th, 2009 at 2:13 am
SocialTwist, the company behind the Tell A Friend plugin, has launched TAF4 Ads, a widget to refer ads to friends. Visitors to websites that have implemented TAF4 ADs can pass on any banner ad to their friends and an accompanying comment with it. So, for instance, if I visit this demo page and think that the ad banner is interesting, I can click the TAF link and send it to my friends. They emphasize that this word of mouth personal referral approach should result in higher click throughs for an ad.
However, I dont buy it. Online ad banners are obtrusive and hardly ever have I found ad banners engaging enough that I want my friends to take a peek at it. In fact, I block all ads using the AdBlock Firefox plugin. I mean, think of it – who in their right minds will click on the banner and want to send a link to your friends about it ?
I guess in their effort to desperately monetize the Tell a Friend plugin, SocialTwist has come out with this lame advertising model.
What do you think ?
July 13th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Jason-
I don’t know you at all and haven’t read your blog more than a few times but I want you to know that after reading this post I have an incredible amount of respect for the honesty that you were able to embrace here.
For people at all stages of the entrepreneurial process this post is an incredible value!
Well done.
Cheers,
Ryan
September 9th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Hi Jason
How are things since you posted this back in April? Your family must be so proud of you and all that you are doing!
They should be proud of the fact that you are a HELPER. You have helped thousands of entreprenuers and countless numbers of people through docstat and through your various activities promoting entreprenuership.
It’s a great acheivement for any parent to have raised a successful businessman, but it’s an ever greater acheivement to have raised a HELPER.
all the best
David
September 26th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
firm excercise…
Your topic Does the Church Control Members? | FAIR Blog was interesting when I found it on Saturday searching for firm excercise…
March 1st, 2010 at 6:44 pm
[...] thought about doing something around my health/family (which I’ve written about at length) or maybe something related to Docstoc and our new Docstore. But those are the things I think [...]