I’ve always been captivated by the sheer determination I see in both the founders I invest in and the patients I treat at my IVF clinic. Grit isn’t just an admirable trait; it’s the bedrock upon which success in both entrepreneurship and fertility treatment is built. A recent consultation with a couple reminded me of this. They came in hopeful but exhausted after several failed IVF attempts. Their perseverance in the face of repeated setbacks resonated with the resilience I often observe in startup founders who navigate the turbulent seas of entrepreneurship.
Grit is not about stubbornly sticking to a single path, nor is it about ignoring reality. It’s a combination of passion and perseverance that drives you to pursue long-term goals despite the challenges. In my experience, the most successful IVF patients and startup founders share this trait. They understand that while the journey may be fraught with obstacles, each failure is a stepping stone to eventual success.
In the startup ecosystem, I’ve seen founders who, after multiple funding rejections, still manage to keep their vision alive and pivot their business models until they find a viable path. Similarly, IVF patients undergo a rigorous and emotionally taxing process, often facing disappointment before achieving their dream of parenthood. The question isn’t whether they will encounter challenges but rather how they will respond to them.
One founder I backed had faced nearly a dozen rejections from investors. His resilience was unwavering; he iterated on his pitch, refined his product, and never lost sight of his vision. Eventually, he secured the funding that allowed his company to thrive. This mirrors the journey of many IVF patients who, despite multiple failed cycles, continue to hold onto hope. I often encourage my patients to embrace this mindset, reminding them that the journey, though difficult, is worth the emotional investment.
The uncertainty in both fields is another point of convergence. Just as IVF outcomes can never be guaranteed, startup success is unpredictable. Both founders and patients must learn to navigate this unpredictability with grace. In a previous post, I discussed how embracing unpredictability is crucial for both groups. The ability to remain flexible and adapt to new circumstances is often more valuable than having a foolproof plan.
I’ve learned over the years that grit can be cultivated. For IVF patients, this often involves a supportive network, thorough preparation, and a clear understanding of what to expect at each stage of the process. For founders, it means surrounding themselves with mentors, learning from each failure, and maintaining a relentless focus on their goals. In both cases, I advocate for nurturing an environment where perseverance is encouraged and celebrated.
In my practice, I’ve also seen how grit can sometimes be mistaken for mere stubbornness. The key difference lies in the willingness to learn and adapt. A patient who insists on pursuing the same protocol despite repeated failures isn’t demonstrating grit; they are resisting the need to adapt. Similarly, a founder who refuses to pivot in the face of market feedback isn’t being resilient; they’re being inflexible. True grit involves a constant willingness to learn, adjust, and evolve.
In a previous reflection, I noted that IVF patients often exhibit more patience than founders. This patience, however, is not passive. It’s an active engagement with the process, a commitment to doing whatever it takes to achieve the desired outcome. This same active patience is what I urge founders to cultivate.
Ultimately, grit is what separates those who succeed from those who give up. It’s not about having all the answers but about being willing to do what it takes to find them. Whether you’re a founder seeking to disrupt an industry or a couple hoping to bring a new life into the world, the journey will test you. But if you can persevere, adapt, and learn, the rewards, as I’ve witnessed time and again, are truly transformative.
As I continue to work with both IVF patients and startup founders, I remain inspired by their journeys. They remind me daily of the power of human resilience and the incredible things we can achieve when we refuse to give up. If there’s one message I hope to impart through my work and this blog, it’s this: grit isn’t just a trait you have; it’s a muscle you can build. And in the worlds of startups and fertility, it’s the muscle that will carry you through.