I love music.
I started to live music at a very early age. I got hooked on 60s and 70s, although I’m an 80s and 90s guy. Parent’s influence is endless…
I can remember listening to The Beatles when I was only 5 or 6 years old, which never stopped. I used The Beatles to improve my English as a non-native English speaker, and their songs have been a part of my life since then.
And my life is based on entrepreneurship.
I became one of those crazy guys who build a company without knowing how to start. I think most of us start like that.
In this article, I’m going to share with you some of my lessons learned on this amazing journey, which began in 2002, hoping any of them can be helpful and save you time or making mistakes, at least the ones I made.
Each of these lessons will be related to a Beatles song because the more relationships you connect with an idea, the better you will remember it. And because they deserve this tribute.
Let’s dive in!
1. A Day in the life
A day in the life, you will get up and say: “My life is meaningless”.
That’s the beginning of everything.
- You don’t like your work.
- You read about other entrepreneurs with extraordinary lives (be careful because not everything is so sweet).
- You feel you’re wasting your time.
- You have the sensation that you can be a better self.
- You need to give “something” to the world.
- …
2. Money (That’s What I Want)
That’s what everyone needs, even if you’re not an entrepreneur.
Don’t panic. Most of us started from scratch, having no money at all.
I didn’t even have a garage, and it seems that this is mandatory if you want to create a successful company.
Maybe that’s even better because that’s how you will pay attention to every penny you invest.
- You won’t lose money on stupid things.
- You will do lots of things by yourself.
- You will learn new things.
- You’ll begin to be a better self.
3. Dear Prudence
Measure your risks.
Don’t dive into dark waters.
You can leap into a pool because entrepreneurship is taking some risks, but be always sure there’s, at least, a little bit of water in it.
Over time you will learn to swim in shallow water.
4. With a little help from my friends
You’ll be alone, misunderstood.
Many people (even your family) will think you’re wrong, you’re crazy, you’re throwing your life away.
Please don’t blame them. They’ll never understand you. They lack information.
Your feelings are yours. They’re very deep inside. It’s not easy to explain them to others.
Anyway, try to talk to friends, share your sensations, failures, doubts, and, why not, your small victories.
Everything counts to take the pressure off.
5. All you Need is love
Love for the things you do. Love for others.
Share your love with clients, suppliers, freelancers, employees, anyone.
The more love you show, the more you’ll be loved by others.
We all want to be loved, and doing the things you love will give sense to your life.
Sense equals motivation. Motivation equals action. Action equals results. Results equal survival.
6. Eight Days a Week
Be prepared to work hard, my friend.
Days haven’t got enough hours for an entrepreneur. You’ll always need more.
Don’t worry. If weeks could have 8 days, you will need 9.
That’s how the story goes.
Don’t complain. Don’t worry. The sooner you accept that the better your project will move on.
Things are very simple if you want to simplify them!
7. Every Little Thing
Every little thing matters.
Pay attention to details.
They are the owners of the differentiation. They will make you come out of the crowd.
You will find your niche, your real added-value to the market. That’s where the benefit lies.
8. The Fool on the Hill
That’s how you will feel many days.
It’s part of the process:
- Did I do it right?
- Was this convenient?
- Where am I going?
- Maybe everybody was right, and I was wrong?
- …
Hard situation. Solution: keep on working.
Forget your mind. Don’t listen to it. Insecurity is part of entrepreneurship.
Even if you fail, you will have become a much more confident person. And that’s so important for life!
9. We Can Work It Out
Things will fail. You’ll make mistakes. Everything is not going to work as you imagined.
A perfectionist like me says all this. By the way, find here “How to live 24 hours with a perfectionist (myself) and survive”.
You have to think everything can be worked out.
Prepare yourself for mistakes. Prepare yourself to think in solutions as soon as failure appears on your door.
Life is very short, and there’s no time
For fussing and fighting, my friend— The Beatles (“We can work it out” lyrics)
10. Cry Baby Cry
Be prepare to suffer.
You will suffer.
It’s part of this journey.
Blood, sweat, and tears. That’s what entrepreneurship is all about.
Suffering is what will make you stronger. Again, performing to a better self.
Cry. Don’t get embarrassed. You’ll have to manage unfair situations.
The market won’t pay you attention. People won’t appreciate all your efforts, all your sacrifices.
Don’t worry, sooner or later, you will move forward to better songs.
Take my word for it.
11. Free As a bird
Forget about money.
Forget about public recognition.
Forget about flashes and Forbe’s cover.
Freedom is the answer. That’s why you decide to start this trip.
You will decide what you invest your time in.
You will decide what your next “to-do” is.
You will be the owner of your life.
Freedom is priceless.
We only have one life. I do prefer a free one.
Takeaways
You have the links to each song next to each one.
I listened to all of them (once again) while I was writing this article.
My hair keeps standing on whenever I listen to these guys.
I laugh, cry, and feel alive.
It motivates me to go further, overcome obstacles, and enjoy each moment of my life (like writing this article for you).
The Beatles are the concept of “GENERATING CONTENT” at its highest level.
Making people feel this kind of sensations is priceless. It’s the highest sensation a human being can aspire to.
Thank you so much, Ringo, George, Paul, and John.
You are unbeatable travel companions in the most critical journey for a human being: his life.
