Verified by 
Key points
- Creating or innovating might be limited by the commonly used “resilience” mindset.
- The concept of antifragility helps entrepreneurial professionals frame discomfort as possibility for growth.
- Mindfulness is often mistaken as a tool for creating calm.
- A true power of mindfulness is helping us withstand discomfort while noticing opportunity.
As a psychologist and mindfulness author, one of the most frequent questions I encounter revolves around using mindfulness to alleviate stress and anxiety in the pursuit of a career. However, for professionals venturing into entrepreneurship, a shift in perspective may be needed. Rather than seeking comfort through mindfulness, perhaps its true potential lies in facing discomfort and embracing the concept of "antifragility." This article explores how mindfulness can be a powerful tool in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurial endeavors.
The Antifragility Reframe on Career Creativity
Author Nassim Nicholas Taleb introduces the idea of "antifragility" in his book of the same name, highlighting how certain things thrive in the face of volatility, randomness, and stress. Unlike resilience, which merely withstands shocks, antifragility improves under pressure. This prompts a crucial question for entrepreneurs: do you aim for a resilient, same-as-before career, or do you strive for a better, antifragile creative journey?
The Pain Points of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship brings inherent pain points, especially for professionals untrained in the cutthroat world of business. Approaching these challenges with a resilience mindset may not be the most effective strategy. Let's explore common pain points and how adopting an antifragile mindset can offer a different perspective:
1. Self-Doubt
Resilience Paradigm: Endure self-doubt, and things will improve.
Antifragile Amplification: Embrace self-doubt as part of the entrepreneurial journey. Ask, "Why NOT me?" and explore what else is present in the moment beyond doubt.
Example: Instead of quickly dismissing self-doubt, consider allowing it a seat in the corner of your mind. While it continues its chatter, focus on what else might be noticed in the moment. Challenge the doubt by asking, "Why not me?" and be willing to explore despite the uncertainty.
2. Restlessness and Anxiety
Resilience Paradigm: Calm yourself; cultivate optimism.
Antifragile Amplification: Recognize anxiety as optional. Dive into the underlying fear and use it as fuel for understanding crucial aspects of your creative ideas.
Example: Instead of immediately seeking calming breaths, explore the restlessness and anxiety. Delve into the fear behind these emotions. By fully feeling and owning the discomfort, you may uncover valuable insights crucial for your creative journey.
3. Frustration and Blame
Resilience Paradigm: Calm down before creating.
Antifragile Amplification: Challenge frustration by questioning expectations. Recognize the unpredictability of trailblazing and stay connected to reality.
Example: Rather than hastily calming frustration, question whether it stems from unrealistic expectations. Antifragility involves accepting the reality of the entrepreneurial journey, understanding that deviations from expectations are part of the process.
4. Intense Desire or Craving
Resilience Paradigm: Stay the course if it feels right.
Antifragile Amplification: Acknowledge that the journey may not always feel desirable, emphasizing the deeper purpose behind your entrepreneurial pursuits.
Example: Instead of relying solely on desire, recognize that the entrepreneurial path may not always align with immediate feelings. Connect with the deeper purpose behind your ideas, allowing it to guide you even in moments of wavering motivation.
5. Fatigue, Fog, or Burnout
Resilience Paradigm: Take a break; shift gears if confused.
Antifragile Amplification: Explore opportunities within moments of fatigue. Hover in the discomfort, and uncover subtle new angles or perspectives.
Example: Resist the urge to quickly escape fatigue or confusion. Instead, explore the opportunities hidden within these moments. Stay curious and notice the subtle shifts that may lead to innovative breakthroughs.
Engaged Mindfulness: Owning Moments of Opportunity
To build a career marked by creativity, connection, and impact, adopt engaged mindfulness, or "owning" moments of difficulty. This involves fully engaging with bodily, mental, and emotional experiences without attempting to eliminate discomfort. The key is to be an owner of moments, noticing all possibilities and nuances, even in the face of discomfort.
The Takeaway
Shift from seeking calm and resilience to embracing antifragile ownership of uncomfortable moments in your entrepreneurial journey. Each moment offers opportunities for growth, learning, and clarity. By adopting an antifragile mindset, you can unlock the true potential of mindfulness, allowing yourself to unfold into creative possibilities that a play-it-safe mindset would never permit.
References
Taleb, N. N. (2013). Antifragile. Penguin Books.
