I sat with a couple last week who had come to my clinic with their hopes pinned on the promise of a successful IVF cycle. They had read stories online about miraculous overnight successes in IVF and were understandably eager to begin their journey. It struck me how similar their expectations were to those I often encounter from founders in the startup world. Both groups are enamored by the illusion of “overnight success,” a notion I find deeply flawed both in medicine and in entrepreneurship.
In my experience, the concept of overnight success is a myth. Whether you’re trying to create life through IVF or build a startup from the ground up, the road to success is long, arduous, and fraught with challenges. And yet, the allure of instant success stories is powerful. Why do we cling to these tales, and what can we learn from the reality behind them?
Let’s start with IVF. It’s easy to see why couples might believe in overnight success, given the emotionally charged nature of fertility treatments. The media often highlights exceptional stories where a single IVF cycle leads to a healthy pregnancy, but these are exceptions, not the rule. In reality, IVF success rates are variable and depend on numerous factors such as age, medical history, and lifestyle. I always tell my patients that while IVF can be a powerful tool, it is not a guarantee. We need to manage expectations and understand that multiple cycles may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
Similarly, in the startup world, the narrative of the overnight success is pervasive. We hear about companies like Facebook or Airbnb that seem to have “come out of nowhere” to revolutionize entire industries. But beneath these headlines lies a different story—a tale of years spent refining products, pivoting business models, and enduring failures. The so-called “overnight” successes are often the result of years of unseen labor and iteration.
Take, for example, Yaron Samid’s journey with BillGuard. The fintech company might seem like an overnight success from the outside, but it took years of pivoting and hard lessons before they found a viable business model. The initial product—a security app—did not resonate with users, forcing the team to pivot multiple times before hitting upon a concept that worked. This is a classic tale of perseverance and adaptability, qualities that are just as crucial in IVF as they are in business.
In both fields, we often overlook the importance of resilience. IVF patients endure emotional and physical stress, while founders navigate financial and strategic challenges. This is why I often draw parallels between the two—there’s a depth of grit required to keep going in the face of setbacks. In my post, “What Startups Can Learn About Resilience from IVF Patients”, I delve deeper into this shared spirit of persistence.
Moreover, just as I advocate for second opinions in IVF, I believe in the power of seeking diverse perspectives in the startup world. In IVF, a second opinion can open doors to alternative treatments or strategies that could increase the chances of success. Similarly, in business, founders should actively seek feedback and advice from mentors and peers. This openness to new ideas can be the difference between stagnation and breakthrough.
Another point of commonality is the element of uncertainty. In IVF, outcomes are unpredictable; no amount of planning can guarantee a specific result. I often tell my patients that embracing this uncertainty is crucial for mental well-being. Likewise, startup founders must navigate uncertainty daily, making decisions with incomplete information. In my post, “Why Founders Should Embrace Uncertainty Like IVF Patients Do”, I explore how uncertainty can be a source of strength rather than a liability.
Finally, there are hidden costs to success, often overlooked in the rush to achieve it. In IVF, these costs are emotional, financial, and relational. Couples invest not just money but also time and emotional energy, which can strain relationships. Similarly, entrepreneurs often underestimate the sacrifices required to build a successful company, a topic I explore in “The Hidden Costs of Startup Success—What Founders Often Overlook”. Understanding these costs and preparing for them is essential for sustainable success.
In conclusion, the myth of overnight success is just that—a myth. Whether in IVF or in startups, success demands patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from failure. As both an IVF specialist and an angel investor, I have seen first-hand the power of perseverance and the importance of managing expectations. While the journey may be long and arduous, the rewards of sustained effort are immeasurable. So, let’s dispel the illusion of instant success and instead celebrate the hard work and resilience that truly drive success in both fields.