Live Like A Hero

Often strengths become weaknesses as we progress through our business journey. If you want to remain the hero, you need to focus on growth.

- Erik Kruger

I am a big Batman fan. The 2008 film, The Dark Knight, gave us an iconic line. In it Harvey Dent, who later becomes Two Face, says, “You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”

It’s a cutting view of a fall from grace: How our heroes often become vilified through their actions or our perceptions of them.

But I would like to suggest a different context for this quote. As an entrepreneur, you must develop certain qualities and characteristics to become successful. The problem is that those same qualities and characteristics, once the tools that pushed you to success, can at a later stage become the stumbling blocks that prevent you from progress.

Growth beyond abilities

Here’s a quick example. You wake up one morning with a great idea. Soon after, your idea has been translated into action and your business is up and running. You find yourself jumping between different roles. Sales. Marketing. Accounting. Operations. All your time and energy gets funnelled into the business. You work late at night. Sure, it impacts your social life but at least you don’t have a family to worry about.

Then, growth. Things change. And your superpowers become weaknesses.