Ignite Your North Star – What Drives Founders Beyond the Finish Line
Ever had one of those days where nothing seems to go right?
Staring at a screen and the numbers aren’t adding up, and for a moment, you’re left wondering if you're cut out for this whole founder thing.
But before you let that doubt settle in, take a step back and unfold what keeps founders moving forward. What is it that fuels our drive, even when odds seem stacked against us?
Let’s get real: Motivation isn’t just about chasing success.
It’s about what gets you out of bed at 5 am when the alarm goes off, or what gets you going when the coffee’s run out and your inbox is overflowing. For me, it’s a mix of curiosity, passion for action, a bit of stubbornness, and a few stories I want to share.
LESSONS FROM THE LOCKER ROOM
My life has always been shaped by the environment and the people around me. Growing up, playing and interacting with friends from diverse cultures taught me invaluable street smarts: how to read situations, communicate with people from different walks of life, and put my feet on the ground and think.
That foundation only grew stronger in college. I played a lot of sports, and one lesson I picked up from my coach was that the real work happens when no one’s watching. That stuck with me. When I started my first business, I’d stay late, tweak pitches, and refine ideas. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to. That discipline: showing up even when it’s hard, is what kept me going. That’s something I still lean on, especially when the path ahead isn’t clear. Early in my career, a key client unexpectedly pulled out. I remember sitting in my car, replaying every conversation in my head. Instead of letting it knock me down, I told myself, “Take the lesson, adjust your play, and get back in the game.” Setbacks are just pit stops, not the end of the race.
Over the years, I’ve learned to blend those street smarts with the business acumen I gained early on. Whether negotiating deals, leading my team, or spotting new opportunities. This blend keeps me agile and grounded. The practical wisdom I’ve gained from my experience is this: business is as much about relationships and understanding people as it is about numbers and strategy.
There’s a story I often think back to: I was deep into a project, convinced I had all the angles covered, when a mentor pulled me aside and said, “Jigar, you’re working hard, but are you working smart?” That conversation changed how I approach business. Now I make it a point to connect with the people who challenge or cheer me on, because motivation is catalytic.
GO BEYOND THE FINISH LINE
But what really drives me beyond the finish line? It’s not big wins or the headlines. It’s the small moments: the late-night brainstorming sessions, the high fives after a grinding week, and the idea that I’m building something bigger than myself.
I often draw inspiration from my passion for Formula 1 racing. Watching drivers push their limits reminds me that success isn’t just about crossing the finish line first. It’s about how you navigate every twist and turn on the track. Just like in business, it’s the focus, resilience, and split-second decisions that make all the difference. I remember watching a Grand Prix tournament where a driver, after a disastrous pit stop, fought his way back into the race, not for the podium, but for the sheer determination to finish strong.
That’s the kind of grit I try to bring into my own journey.
So let me ask you: What’s your North Star? What gets you out of bed on tough days? For me, it’s curiosity, discipline, and the people around me. If you ever need a reminder, just remember, every founder has those moments. It’s what you do next that counts.
Stay curious.
Stay driven.
And keep chasing your North Star!