Have you ever tried to solve a Rubik’s cube? I have, and let me tell you, it’s not as easy as my then 9-year-old son made it look. There I was, twisting and turning that colorful puzzle, getting nowhere fast, while my kid solved it in under a minute. When I asked him how he did it, he said, “It’s simple, Dad. I know the strategy; you don’t.” Talk about a mic-drop moment from a second-grader.
That Rubik’s cube incident taught me one of the most valuable lessons in my entrepreneurial journey. Let me share three game-changing insights I’ve picked up along the way.
#1: Strategy Over Effort (The Rubik’s Cube Lesson)
The Rubik’s cube is a perfect metaphor for entrepreneurship. We often think success comes from working harder, putting in more hours and sweat. But sometimes, we’re just spinning our wheels. The real breakthrough comes when you have the right strategy. In the startup world, founders burn themselves out but are not making progress. Why? All effort and no strategy. It’s not about how hard you twist the cube; it’s about knowing which moves to make.
#2: Intentionality is Your Secret Weapon
In 2015, I reluctantly attended my first Startup Weekend, thinking, “72 hours to build a startup? Yeah, right.” Boy, was I in for a surprise. By Sunday, we had customer interviews, an MVP, a website, a pitch deck, and potential clients. It was a shock to the system. Intentionality is the differentiator: clear goals, deadlines, and focused action. This experience lit a fire under me. Within a week, my friend Ibrahem Alhaidari created Unstuck Labs, and together with my co-founder, we developed what we now call the Unstuck Method.
Our method revolves around a core principle: setting clear intentions, collecting insights along the way, transforming those insights into actionable steps, and executing with accountability. It’s simple, but it works wonders. Trust me, make this your new normal, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
#3: Don’t Be Too Proud to Ask for Help
While in the Saudi Arabian desert, our SUV was stuck; no amount of pushing, digging, or revving the engine could get us moving again. We spotted some locals nearby, and swallowing our pride, we waved them over for help. Without hesitation, they came to our aid. In less than 90 seconds, they got us unstuck.
The lesson? Sometimes, you need to wave the white flag and ask for help. More importantly, when you ask, you’ll often find people willing to help. In the startup world, trying to do everything alone is a recipe for disaster. There’s no shame in seeking advice, mentorship, or partnerships.
Entrepreneurship isn’t a solo sport; it’s about being intentional, strategic, and humble enough to seek help when needed. Our logo at Unstuck Labs—an infinity sign with a missing piece—represents just that. You’ve got unlimited potential, and sometimes you just need that missing piece to unlock it.
