For entrepreneur Emma Hernan, the fear of failure is less significant than the regret of procrastination. She advises aspiring founders that the greatest risk isn't that a venture might fail, but that it might never start. The opportunity cost of waiting is higher than the cost of a potential misstep.

Conventional wisdom that early-stage startups must "grind" is flawed. The primary constraint is a lack of unique insight to find product-market fit, not a lack of hours worked. A relentless "996" culture can be counterproductive, as it leaves no room for the deep thinking and creativity needed for breakthrough ideas.

For a founder coding their own product, every minute spent trying a new, unproven tool is a direct opportunity cost against shipping features. This contrasts with developers in larger companies who may have downtime to experiment as a hobby or part of their job.

Entrepreneurs often jump between projects, fearing their current one won't succeed in the long run. This is a fatal trap. According to Sam Parr, true focus, while difficult, is the necessary price for an outsized outcome and increases the likelihood of success. Diversification is for preserving wealth, not creating it.

Founders often equate constant hustle with progress, saying yes to every opportunity. This leads to burnout. The critical mindset shift is recognizing that every professional "yes" is an implicit "no" to personal life. True success can mean choosing less income to regain time, a decision that can change a business's trajectory.

Entrepreneurs often blame slow growth on market saturation. The reality is they lack the marketing skills to reach the 99% of the market that isn't already solution-aware. It's an ego-preserving way to avoid admitting a skill deficit.

Aspiring founders often stall while waiting for a perfect idea. The most effective strategy is to simply pick a decent idea and build it. Each project, even a 'losing' one, provides crucial learnings that bring you closer to your eventual successful venture.

Hesitating to start a project for fear of wasting time and money is a paradox. The most significant waste is the opportunity cost of inaction—staying on the sidelines while revenue and experience are left on the table.

Most entrepreneurs mistakenly spend 80% of their time creating content and only 20% on distribution. To maximize impact, flip this ratio. Spend 20% of your time on high-value creation and 80% on strategic promotion to ensure your work actually gets found by the right audience.