Sparring buddy will make you Muhammad Ali
Why it matters
The founder’s role often leads to feeling alone.
This feeling can be overwhelming, driving energy decline and anxiety.
While sharing your burden is not always a choice, sharing your thoughts and challenges with someone is still on the table.
I recently wrote about how important it’s to take the time to make important decisions. It’s even more essential though to spend some of that time with your sparring partners.
Sparring buddy will be your…
Rocket fuel. It’s scientifically proven that our motivation comes from others. Just talk and watch how your energy evolves!
Organize & prioritize tool. When describing your challenge and outlining possible solutions, you use the most powerful instrument for efficient knowledge organization - repetition. The more times you say things, the better you understand them.
Creativity ignition. Sparring partners that care about you may bring a valuable voice into your internal discussion. And there’s no better fuel for creative thinking than hearing a friendly message that “you may be wrong”.
What I think
Have a bunch of sparring partners that can give you a friendly hit from various angles. Co-founders, mentors, mentees, friends, peers, parents, and hairstylists. Don’t underestimate their insights.
A mirror isn’t the best sparring partner, but if no choice, start keeping a journal. It won’t become that rocket fuel coming from fresh conversations, but it still can help you organize knowledge and priorities.
What others think
From Austin Kleon:
Most creative ideas originate from a group of creative individuals, not a lone genius.
From Paul Graham (and others):
Writing to think is the best form of thinking.
Go deeper
Worth reading
Read “Show Your Work” by Austin Kleon
Read Paul Graham’s legendary blog for entrepreneurs