In some ways, it seems like it was only yesterday when I first had this vague idea about a “thing” that I wanted to build and bring to the world. Of course, as any entrepreneur will tell you, the journey starts not with a dream or an idea, but with action.

Now, as I reflect back on the incredibly insane adventure the past 6 years have been, I wanted to capture some of the more meaningful (and perhaps unexpected) lessons I’ve learned. 6 lessons for 6 years. May we all be insight exporters, sharing what we’ve learned with our friends and colleagues to benefit their journeys - both now and in the future.

An Op-Ed with Neuehouse Member Ben Brooks

I’m sure we can all agree that 2020 isn’t exactly working out like we’d originally planned or pined for.

Upon my holiday return from the sandy shores of the Philippines, I had taken some time to write down my annual goals, anticipating a big growth year. And poetically, it has indeed been a growth year – but in my sense of resolve and resilience, rather than in size or scale. COVID-19 and the protocols surrounding it, the collapse of the economy, justified unrest over systemic racism, and a massive reckoning of uncertainty have proven to be a real series of curveballs for everyone – and many of us in the NeueHouse community have also been forced to contend with finding ways to keep our businesses and ventures afloat, navigate complex financing programs, make tough cuts to staff and vendors, and deal with the absence of in-person events and networking which are normally instrumental in fueling the development of our projects and companies. In other words, navigating the year 2020 thus far has certainly been hard on everyone – and for business owners, creatives and freelancers, we’ve had to face additional headwinds.

Between the media and millennials, being an entrepreneur has never looked more glamourous. In many ways compared to the confines of corporate, government, or non-profit work, charting one’s own destiny can seem incredibly enticing and liberating. However, the part that seldom is talked about outside of entrepreneurial and startup circles is just how brutal the lessons of this path can be.

Starting things is sexy. We’re easily enticed by new products, new companies, new markets, new hires, new facilities, and new initiatives. Finishing, on the other hand, isn’t nearly as alluring, but it is much more satisfying.

Over the past few years, I’ve let overwhelm get the best of me from time to time. But through these experiences, I’ve also learned how to get effectively navigate past this vortex of misery. Here’s how I do it.

When creating solutions to a problem, avoid the temptation to dive right into the answers that excite you. Instead, objectively and clinically examine what the value of solving the problem is in the first place.

People often confuse professionalism with being stiff, aloof, or perfect. When in actuality, being a professional is about doing quality work, treating people with respect, holding strong values, and portraying competence and confidence. We’ve all met people who are "pros.” Yet, throughout my career I’ve seen far too many people try to position themselves as “professional” by projecting an unrelatable, cold persona in an effort to be taken seriously.