Daring Actions You've Taken That Pushed Boundaries
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In the world of entrepreneurship, fear is a common companion. But for the founder of Kapwing, a rising tech startup, fear is not a stopping point, but a challenge to be overcome.
As she prepares to launch a new product called K2, the founder finds herself grappling with the spectre of failure, public judgment, and disappointment. Yet, she approaches these fears with a steely resolve, fuelled by the example of her risk-taking father and the inspiring mission of Missy Park, "risk, lead, own."
The founder's strategy for managing fear is multi-faceted. She starts small, building her venture incrementally, much like her initial foray into entrepreneurship with Kapwing, which she chose over job offers at other companies. This approach reduces the perceived risk and allows her to gain confidence steadily.
She also surrounds herself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and groups that reduce isolation and encourage persistence. In her own words, "Celebrating small achievements and practicing self-compassion help me maintain motivation without being paralyzed by perfectionism or self-doubt."
The founder acknowledges fear openly and cultivates a growth mindset. She views setbacks as chances to improve rather than signs of defeat. This mental reframing is essential for her, as she embraces the unknown and repeats the mantra, "You are safe. You are loved."
Mindfulness and professional mental health support also play a crucial role in her well-being amidst the pressures of entrepreneurship. She is not afraid to seek help when needed, understanding that mental health is as important as physical health in the journey of building a successful business.
The founder's coping mechanisms extend beyond the professional realm. She finds solace in surfing, giving talks at conferences, and writing for a blog—activities that push her out of her comfort zone, much like the "edge" in CorePower yoga, the moment of stretching one's ability.
Interestingly, the founder finds surfing more daunting than skiing, despite the objective risks being lower. She admits that she doesn't fully understand why this is the case, but she copes by reminding herself that risks are worth it.
The founder's journey is not without personal milestones. She felt relieved, confident, and proud after getting her ears pierced, an act she had previously feared due to potential infections, sleeplessness, or disliking the earrings.
In the past, she left Google, a famously great company, to start Kapwing, initially with no income. Yet, she has no regrets about her decision and was reassured by the offer of a job should she need it from a former colleague.
The founder's fear of tide pools and waves was triggered by a scene in a novel where a character was swept into the sea. Yet, she has faced this fear and learned to surf in 2021.
Despite the challenges, the founder remains confident and unwavering in her pursuit of entrepreneurial success. For her, money is perceived as freedom, not safety, and she continues to push herself, finding strength and growth in the face of fear.
- The founder, who has conquered her fear of surfing, applies the same attitude to her upcoming career-development endeavors, viewing her education-and-self-development as an essential avenue for personal-growth and continued lifestyle advancement.
- To support her career-development and lifestyle goals, the founder maintains a strong commitment to self-compassion, nurturing her personal-growth by surrounding herself with like-minded individuals and resources focused on education-and-self-development.
