When I graduated from Founder Institute that I had written ‘Tame your obsession’. If you haven’t read that article, click here.
Two and a half years later, after quitting my job, losing all sense of security, moving to Texas; travelling to Florida, California, Pakistan, UAE, Washington, back to Canada, back to Texas and now once again back in Canada- determined to make it happen, I say,
‘Nurture it’
The first half of 2017 was spent at the Texas Medical Center in Houston. That community has woven it’s patch into the tapestry of DOT. Here is a post about some of the development and experiences: ‘Chicken and Egg’.
Everything happens for a reason, I don’t believe in coincidence. You need to put yourself out there to let the collisions happen. Most of these collisions will be perfectly elastic; where the colliding objects are the same before and after the interaction. But midst these elastic collisions exists an inelastic collision; where just like that, it’ll click. And that’s where things are meant to happen.
In September DOT got shortlisted for the Startup Bootcamp IoT. In the moment there was a lot of excitement, there was some capital investment as well. But we seemed to be losing focus; the program required us to relocate to London, UK. We decided to decline the offer.
First week of October was spent at NACO World Angel Investment Summit in Montreal. End of the month was spent showcasing DOT at the Ontario Neurotech Conference in Ottawa.
Once again, lots of collisions but no substantial outcomes.
Then came November. It was the most difficult and yet most rewarding month of my life. Midst my mother going through surgery, my backyard being flooded, a car accident and my savings completely depleted- RIGHT when I was at the cusp of giving up and settling down- there gleamed a ray of hope.
I decided to go all in for the very last time. And am I glad I did!
November and December were spent working on a secret project with investors in Houston (more about this later).
DOT is now back on track!
Never give up on your dreams; it’s right when you are at the brink of breaking, that you see change. It’s not a change of heart, not a change of mind; it’s the universe’s way of giving back to you for your efforts. So embrace it in all its glory- and keep hustling!
Through all these experiences, I have learned a lot- sometimes the hard way. I would like to give back in hope that it may help someone out there.
‘To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.’
Happy Sunday!
