Perseverance Wins the Race: Lessons from the Swim school and the Startup World

"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

This quote resonates deeply as I watch my two sons navigate their swimming journeys. One son, a natural, breezed through the program, conquering strokes and graduating in just 6 months. The other, equally enthusiastic, is taking a different path. He enjoys swimming, but the technical aspects take him a bit longer. Currently halfway through, he's completed 3 out of 7 levels.

Observing countless children in swim class, I've noticed a fascinating trend. The key ingredient isn't raw talent, but a willingness to jump in. Fearlessness and a spark of interest are all it takes to begin. This echoes the startup world perfectly. We often hear the harsh phrase "swim or sink." But what if progress, not speed, is the true measure of success? Speed does matter in startup, equally perseverance matters, sometime you will have to go through multiple cycles, validate product-market fit, problem-solution fit, some pickup in 6 months and graduate, some just need to progress, keep swimming and all you need is perseverance and enthusiasm.

Just like my son who's steadily learning and growing, startups adapt and evolve at their own pace. By persevering through challenges, by actively learning from customers and mentors (like swim coaches!), and by keeping that initial passion burning bright, even years into the journey, we can all achieve our goals.

"'Leaders aren't born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that's the price we have to pay to achieve that goal.' - Vince Lombardi"

This 2nd quote embodies the spirit I see in my son who, despite taking longer, is putting in the effort to refine his technique and reach his own level of mastery. As leaders in startups, one could embrace this same mentality. It's about steady improvement, consistent effort, and a relentless pursuit of learning. The path to success may not be linear, but with unwavering dedication, the milestones can be achieved as long as you are keep swimming and making progress.