A few people I know are jumping to do their own thing - always stoked to see it. Since I leaped a couple of years ago, they naturally asked my advice...not sure anyone expected to get the answer they got.

My answer is that startups are spiritual.

You will be challenged at a soul level - science, financial models, and business books will be of little use when you look in the mirror. Perhaps things come easier to you than me and you can stay business/surface level with it, however, I find myself constantly questioning my worth, identity, and my view of others weekly (if not daily) in this journey.

Just like kids/marriage/_____.... you can't know until you are on the other side of it. That doesn't mean don't do it....it means humility is the way. Keeping EGO becomes damn near impossible to maintain, best you kill it early in the venture.