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Mark Zuckerberg believes that having a big vision is essential, but he also understands that it comes with its own set of challenges.
"It's really good to be idealistic, but be prepared to be misunderstood," he says.
Anyone with a grand vision will likely be called crazy, even if they turn out to be right. Tackling complex problems often leads to criticism for not fully understanding them, as it's impossible to know everything from the start.
Photo: JESSICA CHOU / NEW YORK TIMES
Zuckerberg highlights the difficulties of taking initiative. People who move quickly to solve problems will always face criticism from those who prefer a slower pace. Our society often shies away from big projects due to the fear of making mistakes. This fear can prevent progress and overlook current issues that need addressing.
But according to Zuckerberg, this fear shouldn't hold us back.
"The reality is, anything we do today is going to have some issues in the future. But that can't stop us from getting started," he insists.
This mindset encourages taking action and embracing the potential problems that come with innovation.
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, shares a similar perspective. He advises,
"Be stubborn on vision and flexible on details."
Bezos emphasizes that achieving significant goals requires a clear vision and relentless pursuit of that vision. However, he also notes the importance of being adaptable in the details because the path to success involves experimentation and course corrections. This approach acknowledges that mistakes are part of the process but shouldn't deter us from our larger goals.
A notable case study that exemplifies these principles is the story of Airbnb. When Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia founded the company, they faced significant financial challenges and skepticism. They turned their apartment into a bed and breakfast for a design conference, using air mattresses and creating a website called AirBedAndBreakfast.com. Their innovative idea seemed crazy to many, including Chesky's mother, who equated entrepreneurship with unemployment. Despite the initial doubts and obstacles, their vision transformed the travel industry.
Similarly, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is known for his ambitious visions and willingness to tackle complex problems. Musk often faces criticism and skepticism for his bold initiatives, such as colonizing Mars or revolutionizing transportation with the Hyperloop. Yet, his determination to pursue big ideas despite the potential for failure has led to groundbreaking advancements.
Zuckerberg's call to action is clear:
"So what are we waiting for? Let's do big things, not just to create progress, but to create purpose."
This message encourages us to pursue meaningful projects that drive progress and provide a sense of purpose. It's a reminder that the fear of failure shouldn't stop us from striving for greatness.
In conclusion, pursuing a big vision requires idealism, resilience, and a willingness to be misunderstood. Both Zuckerberg and other successful entrepreneurs like Bezos and Musk highlight the importance of starting with a clear vision, embracing the inevitable challenges, and remaining flexible in the face of criticism. By taking on big projects and not letting the fear of mistakes hold us back, we can create progress and find purpose in our endeavors.
Listen to Mark: