Decide what success means to you

Some people want a business that supports a good life. They want income, freedom, and control of their time. Other people want to build something large. They accept more pressure because they want wealth, influence, or the experience of creating a major company.

Neither ambition needs an apology. The problem starts when you use advice for one goal while you pursue the other. A business that supports your preferred life can succeed without rapid growth. A startup that seeks a large market must make different choices about people, spending, and ownership.

Be honest about money. Wanting wealth is a valid motive. Wanting to solve an important problem is also a valid motive. Pretending to hold one motive when the other drives your choices makes useful feedback harder to obtain.

Your goal can change. Treat that change as a decision, and discuss it with the people who share the risk. Do not quietly change the purpose of the company while you expect everyone else to follow the old agreement.