Entrepreneurs constantly confuse what they do with who they are. We're all certainly responsible for what we do, but failing doesn't make us bad people and succeeding doesn't make us omniscient.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the distinction between one's identity and their achievements or failures as an entrepreneur.
Howard A. Tullman's quote emphasizes that entrepreneurs often conflate their actions and outcomes with their personal worth. While we are accountable for our decisions and results, our successes or failures do not define us as individuals; we should separate our personal identity from the business endeavors we pursue.
In practice
During a motivational seminar for young entrepreneurs, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of self-worth beyond professional outcomes.
All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure. You can "already know for sure" things that could actually impede progress. Always be on the lookout for the things you did not know, that you did not know. Secondly, work on strengthening personal belief that a particular will be achieved regardless of any adversity that may show up, or evidence to the contrary.
To succeed in business it is necessary to make others see things as you see them.
If you wish to prosper, let your customer prosper.
In 1919 I woke up famous. I'd never guessed it. If I'd known I was famous, I'd have stolen away and wept. I was stupid. I was supposed to be intelligent. I was sensitive and very dumb.
If I go into years only thinking about medals I'm missing the whole meaning of what I've always been trying to do, which is trying to push myself and push the barriers of what is possible.
Success comes to a writer as a rule, so gradually that it is always something of a shock to him to look back and realize the heights to which he has climbed.
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