Learn, Grow, but do not Conform

In my efforts to make my switch from entrepreneur to investor successful, I have made a conscious effort to reach out to existing mentors and to actively cultivate a group of people with deep investing experience to learn from. The diversity of this group is critical in my opinion as I cannot become an investor in the image of any one person if my goal is to stand out as a unique success. Instead, I have to create my own style and learn to approach the craft in a way that leverages my background and natural strengths while subordinating my weaknesses.

Recently, one of the experienced investors I was speaking to suggested that it is important to form your own view and to express it because if, “two people always have the same opinion, one of them is not necessary.” He reminded me of a verse in the Start-up I Ching and I have included it below:

LEARN, GROW, BUT DO NOT CONFORM. You must maintain an open-mind and cultivate a genuine respect for the people around you. Act within this context, with inner-strength and outward self-restraint, and you will experience cooperation and acceptance. Learning will follow. In your efforts, beware of emulating others as this is a shallow illustration of respect and is deeply disrespectful to the self. You must discover ways to show your respect for others while protecting your individuality. If you become conditioned to conform you will not be able to take risks nor experience the consequences, positive or negative that lead to the most effective learning.