NWV Brief #12: founder meltdowns

Dear Founder,

I promised myself I’d write to you every week, no matter what. Today, that promise is all I’m holding onto. And in the spirit of keeping it real, this isn’t the letter I planned to write—it’s the one I needed to write.

While I was supposed to have a beautifully written letter on creativity, I’ve decided to pivot and write about a topic that feels more timely and relevant. Founder meltdowns. 

If you’ve never experienced one, that's good for you. Call it a projection, but in my opinion, you’re lying to yourself. 

Meltdowns come in many different forms with different levels of severity & at different times. 

This week, we’ve been lucky enough to catch me in the middle of one. So, what’s led me to this point?

This particular meltdown stems from overwhelm and uncertainty. This week, I feel like a rope stretched too thin. Every strand —my plans, purpose, progress—seems ready to snap under the weight of uncertainty. And yet, I know this tension is the price of trying to create something extraordinary. 

It’s the exact problem the solution I’ve been working on is trying to solve, and the irony isn’t lost on me. 

Looking back on the past year logically and rationally, I can see the massive gains I’ve made in my personal and business growth. 

I’m leading a healthier lifestyle—better food, more movement, high-quality friends and associates, and less escapism. This year, I’ve read more books than in the last decade and rediscovered hobbies I love. The business has evolved from a vague dream into something others understand and believe in. 

Yet emotionally? It still feels like I’m miles away from where I need to be, standing at the base of a mountain I’m not sure I can climb. 

Finishing an investment prospectus feels like rocket science. 

Do the milestones or the team come first? What is the “right” path? Who are the “right” people? Am I capable of becoming the founder and CEO I need to become to see this thing through? 

Yes, logically, I’m aware these things can be figured out. But, emotionally, there are blips in time where it all feels impossible. 

I’m terrified someone will see this vulnerability as weakness—as proof that I’m not cut out for this. But what’s the alternative? Pretending I don’t have doubts? That I’m immune to the weight of it all? No. Honesty is hard, but it’s the foundation for everything worth building.

Right now, I want to quit. I’m worried I can’t do it. I’m scared I’m wasting my time and that of other people. I’m scared to let myself down. Scared to fail. Scared to let the people I love and respect down. Scared to make a wrong decision. Scared to hurt feelings. I’m terrified that I’m not capable of making this thing happen. 

I know that my feelings are valid. And I don’t think I’m the first founder to feel this way. 

I also know that these feelings aren’t reasons not to try. 

Deep down, I genuinely believe what I’m working on can improve the lives of early-stage founders. I don’t think I could live with myself if I didn’t continue to do everything possible to bring it to life. I’ll make mistakes; we all do. But the biggest mistake I could make is to lose myself in the process rather than find myself. I’m committed to that process, regardless of how hard it is. 

And trust me, it’s hard. 

So, the message this week? Founder meltdowns are normal—they’re part of the process, not a sign to quit. This journey is full of joy and excitement but also overwhelming and hard. When the next step is unclear, we must trust ourselves to take the next best step possible. What other option do we have?

With purpose, vision, & appreciation,