Pattern Addiction Traps Entrepreneurs

Shaan Puri reflects on his pattern of impulsively starting businesses, recognizing it as both a strength and limitation in his entrepreneurial journey. He acknowledges that while his impulsiveness has led to multiple successful ventures, it has also prevented him from building something truly meaningful and long-lasting.

Key Points:

• Impulsiveness in Business Creation:

  • Starts businesses "instantaneously" when excited by an idea
  • The initial thrill and wave is addictive
  • Works well in 8 out of 10 situations, but problematic for business selection

• Pattern Recognition:

  • 11 months after starting, often realizes it's not the right business
  • Has started multiple businesses since age 21, considers most "wrong picks"
  • Decisions driven by impulse rather than strategic thinking

• Current Business Examples:

  • Sold Milk Road because didn't want to work on it for next 3 years
  • Not happy with ecommerce venture decision
  • Only the podcast has been the "right pick" because:
    • Would do it for free
    • Doesn't count days or hours
    • Naturally grows through improvement
    • Doesn't drag on lifestyle

• Future Adjustment Strategy:

  • Focus on finding projects in "zone of genius"
  • Select businesses he genuinely enjoys operating
  • Build for present enjoyment, not future payoff
  • Be patient in project selection
  • Look for businesses he doesn't want to sell

• Success Metric Shift:

  • Moving from "what could work" to "what do I want to work on"
  • Emphasis on long-term satisfaction over quick wins
  • Recognition that exit potential shouldn't be primary motivation