Jean-Yves Delmotte
$38k MRR. $0 raised. 0 employees. • Co-founder @ BuddiesHR.com • 5x SaaS Founder • YC alum • Aspiring Marathon Runner
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February 17, 2025
Suffering pushed him to accomplish the impossible. His story is UNREAL.
Last week I read "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins.
As I read, I realized his lessons about life and fitness are incredibly relevant to startups.
Here are 10 powerful takeaways:
1. Callous Your Mind
The startup journey is HARD. We must push through the discomfort and frustration until our minds callous. This makes future challenges easier, and more likely to be overcome.
2. The 40% Rule
When you feel like you’ve hit your limit as a founder, remind yourself you’re likely only at 40% of your potential. There is SO much more left in the tank if you push a little further.
3. Take Accountability with the “Accountability Mirror”
Be radically honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Write them down. Look at them every day until you improve upon them.
4. Embrace Discomfort
Growth in startups only happens outside our comfort zone. Seek discomfort - even embrace it.
5. Stay in Control of Your Mind
As a founder, your mind is the most powerful weapon you have. Train it to respond positively to stress and adversity.
6. The Cookie Jar
Keep mental reminders of past successes and moments in which you’ve overcome adversity. When you're struggling, remember how you have survived tough times before, and that you can absolutely do it again.
7. Set Stretch Goals (and Chase Them Relentlessly)
If you know me, you know I believe aim should toward the impossible. Never settle. Constantly push the limits of what you believe you’re capable of.
8. "Suffer in Silence"
So much of the startup world these days is empty noise. Most of that comes from people seeking external validation. Embrace the pain and hardship quietly, focused on what is most important - internal growth.
9. Use Challenges to Build Identity
Every obstacle is an opportunity to redefine yourself. Your past doesn’t define you—your response to adversity does.
10. No One is Coming to Save You
Take radical responsibility for your life. No one else will fix your problems or push you forward. You’re (literally) in control of your future.
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We're not Goggins, but we’re athletes, competing in the sport of business.
Which takeaway resonates most with you?
#startup #entrepreneur #mindset
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👋 Hey, I'm J.Y! When I'm not busy building SaaS startups, you can find me perfecting my handstands and gearing up for a half-marathon.
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February 17, 2025
