I don’t think reflection alone is enough. We humans are social creatures, and entrepreneurship, contrary to the myth of the lone wolf founder, can be powerfully supported in community. The people you place around yourself can be the difference between success and failure, between giving up and pushing through. I remember the turning point in my journey – it wasn't a brilliant strategy or a lucky break, but rather a conversation with a fellow entrepreneur who had been through similar struggles. That conversation provided practical advice and the emotional support I deeply needed.  

And then I could have more faith in the process. And seeing them believe in me was priceless.  And imagine even more moments of pause with others. These people understand your challenges, celebrate your wins (no matter how small), and give you a place to pause. They're your sounding board, reality check, and sometimes, a lifeline. Building a connection with community takes effort—it means being vulnerable, asking for help, and being willing to serve others, too. The key isn't to suppress these emotions but to understand and embrace them. This is where emotional intelligence comes into play. It's about recognizing your emotional states and how they impact your decision-making. It's about reading the room in a negotiation, empathizing with a client's concerns, and inspiring and motivating others when times are tough.

Developing this skill isn't easy – it requires self-reflection, humility, and practice. But the pearls of insight, when they come, are priceless.