“I just lost my match and I feel terrible. I don’t want to go back out there tomorrow. So much so I was actually wishing for an injury. Picture that, not wanting to do something so much that you wish upon yourself injury. Jaden, if you ever feel overwhelmed with something like I was tonight, just keep your head down and keep working and keep trying. Face it at its worst and realize it’s not so bad. That will be your chance for peace. I wanted to quit and leave and go home and see you. It’s hard to stay and play, it’s easy to go home and be with you. That’s why I’m staying.”
-Andre Agassi, 2002, Journal Entry
Towards the end of 2002, when Agassi was one of the oldest players on tour, he had just faced two crushing losses. One to Pete Sampras in the finals of the US Open. Then another painful, unexpected first round loss to an opponent named Jiri Novak.
He was writing this journal entry, addressing his son, Jaden, only a baby at the time, to eventually impart onto him a couple of major life lessons. Number 1, when you feel overwhelmed, don’t quit. Keep your head down and keep grinding. Number 2, it’s hard to maintain balance as a father of young kids. We do the hard things, we keep working because it’s what’s required from us, even when we don’t necessarily want to.
This journal entry by Andre Agassi holds two powerful lessons for young entrepreneurs that can be transformative in both professional and personal spheres. Here’s how these principles can be especially beneficial for young founders:
Lesson 1: Keep Going When You Feel Overwhelmed
Agassi's words resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever felt the weight of disappointment or the desire to escape from a tough situation. In the world of entrepreneurship, especially for young founders, the journey is often filled with highs and lows. Challenges like cash flow issues, competition, or failed pitches can make you feel like giving up. But, as Agassi suggests, success often comes from perseverance—keeping your head down and pushing forward even when everything feels stacked against you.
Benefits for Young Entrepreneurs:
- Resilience Building: Each challenging moment that you face and work through, instead of avoiding, helps build resilience. This quality is essential for young entrepreneurs who are often more exposed to failure due to inexperience and limited resources.
- Skill Development: Continued effort during tough times forces you to find creative solutions, improving problem-solving skills and encouraging growth.
- Emotional Mastery: Learning to face stress head-on can bring a level of emotional control. Entrepreneurs who can handle their emotions under pressure are less likely to make impulsive decisions.
- Motivation and Self-Belief: When you keep going and start seeing progress, even if it's small, it can fuel motivation and increase your confidence in your abilities. Small wins reinforce your belief that persistence pays off.
Agassi’s advice to “keep trying” is about more than just not quitting; it’s about realizing that every setback is a chance to grow. For a young entrepreneur, embracing this idea helps them realize that even their worst challenges aren’t insurmountable—they’re temporary hurdles.
Lesson 2: Do the Hard Things Because They’re Required
Balancing personal life and the demands of a startup can be incredibly challenging, especially if family and relationships are important to you. Agassi, as a father, felt the strain of being away from his son but recognized the importance of enduring hard moments for a higher purpose. For entrepreneurs, this principle of embracing hard work is invaluable.
Benefits for Young Entrepreneurs:
- Self-Discipline: Consistently choosing to do the hard work, even when you don’t feel like it, fosters discipline—a trait critical for building a sustainable business.
- Purpose-Driven Focus: Reminding yourself of your “why”—whether it’s family, financial independence, or a desire to solve a problem—keeps you committed even during challenging times.
- Long-Term Vision: Entrepreneurship isn’t about quick wins; it’s about sustained efforts over time. By embracing the necessary, even when it’s hard, you develop the patience required for long-term success.
- Setting an Example: By doing what’s hard, you inspire your team and others around you. People respect leaders who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and tackle the challenges alongside them.
Agassi’s words remind young entrepreneurs that success is built on hard work, consistency, and purpose. By keeping your head down and working through tough moments, and by committing to the journey even when it’s uncomfortable, you not only strengthen your business but also grow as a person and a leader.
