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Starting and running a startup is one of the most challenging endeavors an entrepreneur can undertake. According to Aaron Levie, co-founder of Box, the key to navigating the ups and downs of startup life is to choose something you’re extremely passionate about. Levie’s insights, drawn from his own experiences, emphasize that passion is not just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for long-term success.
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Why Passion Matters
Levie has started multiple ventures, and one of the most important lessons he’s learned is that if you’re not deeply passionate about what you’re doing, it’s going to be tough to sustain your energy and enthusiasm, especially when things get tough. Startups are hard work, and they come with a lot of challenges. Whether it’s dealing with competition, struggling to hire the right people, or facing setbacks, there are going to be days when it feels like everything is going wrong.
Passion helps you push through these tough times. When you’re working on something you
truly care about, you’ll be more resilient in the face of challenges. You’ll find the motivation to keep going, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Passion as a Catalyst for Inspiration
Levie also points out that passion is contagious. If you’re genuinely excited about what you’re doing, it’s much easier to inspire others to join you on your journey. Whether it’s convincing potential team members, investors, or customers to get on board, your enthusiasm will be a powerful tool. People are naturally drawn to others who are passionate, and that can be a huge advantage when you’re trying to build a team or gain support for your startup.
Consider the story of Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb. Chesky and his co-founders were passionate about the idea of creating a platform where people could rent out their homes to travelers. They believed in the concept so strongly that they pushed through numerous obstacles, including initial skepticism from investors and regulatory challenges. Their passion for the idea was infectious, and it helped them attract a team of people who were equally excited about the mission. Today, Airbnb is a global success story, but it all started with a small team that was deeply passionate about their idea.
Thinking Long-Term
Levie advises entrepreneurs to think about where they want their company to be five years from now. If you’re not passionate about the work you’re doing, it’s going to be difficult to maintain your focus and enthusiasm over the long haul. Startups often require years of hard work before they achieve significant success, so it’s important to choose a project that you’ll be excited to work on for the foreseeable future.
For example, Elon Musk’s passion for space exploration has driven him to invest years of his life into SpaceX, despite numerous setbacks and challenges. His long-term vision of making space travel more accessible and ultimately colonizing Mars has kept him motivated, even when things looked bleak. That passion has also inspired a team of engineers and scientists who share his vision and are willing to work tirelessly to make it a reality.
The Reality of Startup Life
Levie doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of startup life. It’s tough, and there will be plenty of bad news along the way. But if you’re working on something you’re truly passionate about, those challenges will feel more like obstacles to overcome rather than insurmountable barriers. Passion gives you the drive to keep moving forward, even when the going gets tough.
So, if you’re thinking about starting a company, Levie’s advice is clear: Choose something that excites you. Make sure it’s something you’re willing to dedicate years of your life to. Because when you’re passionate about what you’re doing, you’ll have the energy, resilience, and inspiration to navigate the challenges and build something truly remarkable.
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