What My 2-Year-Old Has Taught Me About Life and Entrepreneurship

This thought has been brewing in my mind for some time, but I decided to wait until Children’s Day to share it. You see, we are mostly inclined to share our own childhood experiences on this day. However, I have been observing my two-year-old daughter and I have concluded that she has some essential lessons to teach me.

I’m continuously adjusting to being the father of two entities – my daughter and my business venture – both of which are constantly evolving. Being a parent is a huge responsibility and a big challenge. But the learning curve is real and totally worth all the effort.

My two-year-old throws light on certain aspects of life, which I have been able to carry forward to my role in entrepreneurship. My little girl has made it obvious more than once that I mustn't lose my focus on these essential aspects. What are these? Let’s dive in.

Accepting fear without breaking or braking – A child is constantly facing new challenges; situations and people they are unfamiliar with. A new challenge automatically translates into fear; of different degrees, but fear, nevertheless. My two-year-old is a classic example of how to face those fears. A slide at the park is too steep? She’ll take her time at the top, thinking through her “strategy” before she glides down. A new food item? She’ll touch it, smell it, squish it, and gradually make a go for it. She may spit it out, but only after she’s made up her mind. A new person in her circle? She’ll stand at a safe distance, observing, and ensuring she’s surrounded by her “people” before she decides to befriend or reject them.

She’s willing to adapt to anything that comes her way, despite the fear of the unknown; but it won’t break her or stop her. This is a critical lesson for her father, who runs his own company and may have to face a new ‘fear’ almost every day on his entrepreneurial journey.

You won’t get it until you ask for it – Noticed how toddlers ask for something relentlessly; crying, screaming, and pulling their hair until they get it? My daughter isn’t much different. When she’s set her eyes on something that she fancies, it’s got to be hers no matter what. As parents, my wife and I may decide not to buckle under the pressure; but her “tantrum” forces me to ponder over the nature of her demand. Is it something I’d be okay with handing over to her? If yes, I may actually decide to do so. This brings me to the part where I realize that as someone who runs an organization, there are times I don’t get what I want. And only because I haven’t been vocal about it. When I decide to voice my demand, the said “thing” usually comes around. It’s that simple - ask and you shall receive!

Be ready to evolve and grow – Nothing says growth like a toddler. One day, they are learning to stand, and the next, they are running at 50 kilometers an hour! Every single minute is a moment of learning for my two-year-old. And with each new activity she’s trying to learn, she’s using a new strategy, a new method to get better at it.

What a fantastic lesson for an entrepreneur of a start-up! I don’t have a moment to lose over mistakes, or strategies gone wrong. I’m learning, picking up from where I left off, and jumping to the next level at the speed of light, making amends, and acing new skills. Just like my daughter.

Make the best of what you have – How do kids spend hours playing with the same toys, and still get ahead? That’s an entrepreneurial lesson right there. Watching my daughter play with her stuffed toy or a cardboard box with the same enthusiasm is not just a pleasure, but a mega learning opportunity. It reminds me how when I started, I dipped into my different skills – marketing, design, sales, and technology – not waiting for someone else to step in and take charge. I made the best of what I had, set the stage for something larger, and then expanded my business to include more people with niche skills. My daughter’s playtime is a reminder that even today I’m unafraid to go back to the basics and apply my skills when it’s most needed.

Don’t let the pain stop you – Did you know that a typical toddler may fall from 15-20 times per hour in their attempt to walk? That must hurt. But does it stop them? Hell, no! When my daughter was learning to walk, and even now as she picks up speed and energy to do the hundreds of things she wants to do, a constant lesson is that the pain doesn’t stop her. The bumps and nicks are a part of her story, as are the ups and downs of my entrepreneurial journey. Just like her, I hope to straighten up without wallowing and get going with my responsibilities.

Well, those were my lessons from my precious bundle of joy. It’s Children’s Day and I’d love to hear about the special learning moments that your child may have taught you. Share them here and let’s celebrate the joy of parenting together.

Happy Children’s Day!

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