Building a company or investing in one works like surfing: you fall constantly, look foolish, and need relentless practice. When the timing clicks, catching the right wave or the right business move feels unparalleled. The awkward, failure-filled phases are what get you there.
I was looking at surfboards this weekend and I got to think about how building a business, a company, or investing in one is a lot like surfing. You need to practice a lot to succeed. You probably will fall down a lot. You will certainly look stupid as you're attempting to surf or learn to surf. But then something magical happens. It's Your timing is right, the wave is right, and you get the most wonderful sensation in the world as you're getting on up on your feet and surfing for the first time. It's the same with companies. Once you succeed, it feels like nothing you've ever experienced, but getting there is awkward, it's weird, you fall down, you look stupid, but you have to get back up and keep trying.
