I come from a Pakistani family.
Unless your new initiative is a big success, you're a big flop. As a society, no matter where you're from -- we have a tendency to look at those that did something really hard, but didn't figure it out as a person who "failed".
We put them under a microscope and point out all their flaws.
It's unfortunate because these are the ones brave enough to carve a new path.
They're the ones interested in helping us see something different in this world and put themselves out there in a really vulnerable way.
Yet, we bring them down for even trying.
Worst of all... It dissuades others from carving their own path out of this fear that if they fail then the world -- their family, friends, colleagues -- will look down on them.
Next time you see someone doing something new -- starting a company, going full-time to work on their art, whatever...
Just make sure to be kind.
And, if you meet someone that did something difficult but failed -- simply ask them their story.
Chances are, you can learn something new from them.
And the future can be different.
Glad to read your story on Substack. All other seasons aside, S4 n&w was just OMG! Still keeping pace and looking ahead and bring hopeful towards S5. Hopefully, many would like to read and subscribe to my newsletter as well.