"Productivity Hacks Are Overrated, Says a Venture Capitalist Who Sold His Own Startup for $1.25 Billion."
What is the key to success? According to Martin Casado from a16z, it is not about any of the trends that many entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley follow.
During a recent TechCrunch Disrupt event, Martin Casado, general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, shared his perspective on success in the startup world, challenging some popular trends among Silicon Valley founders. Before joining the renowned venture capital firm, Casado co-founded several companies, including Nicira, which was acquired by VMware for $1.25 billion.
In offering advice on how to achieve success, Casado warned entrepreneurs about the danger of the "hustle culture." He explained that Silicon Valley tends to be very "performative," with strong pressure to "startups" and conform to what is considered the right lifestyle to be part of the entrepreneurial environment. While it is common to hear about the intensity and dedication that startups require, he urged founders to prioritize their mental well-being.
He commented that it is common for many entrepreneurs to try to maximize their daily productivity by establishing rigid routines from the morning, such as waking up at 5 a.m., eating certain foods, and exercising. Furthermore, he mentioned that there are numerous productivity techniques, such as "Eating the Frog" (doing the least favorite task first) and the Pomodoro Technique (working in 25-minute segments with 5-minute breaks). However, Casado argues that these practices are not as effective as one might think; what matters most is simply getting the work done.
More than adhering to a strict schedule, he emphasized that founders should focus on taking care of their mental health. This could include simple acts like "sleeping a little longer" or "eating fast food." It is crucial for entrepreneurs to recognize that achieving success can take years and that there is no guarantee they will attain it. The life strategies that might work to meet an imminent deadline are not necessarily sustainable in the long run. According to Casado, "things always take longer than you expect," and those who concentrate on their well-being are the ones most likely to survive in this competitive field. In the end, surviving is the first step towards triumph.
