Tom Matthews
In every boardroom, co-work space, start-up garage, and coffee shop, you’ll find them: the ones who are driven by an unshakable belief in ideas that don’t yet exist. They’re called the crazy ones, the misfits, the dreamers. We know them as founders or entrepreneurs.
Why “crazy” is just another word for visionary
Entrepreneurs see opportunity where others see obstacles. They thrive on the unknown, welcome the risks, and are unfazed by the odds that tell them to quit. Think of legends like Steve Jobs, who famously said, “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers… the ones who see things differently.” For the entrepreneur, “crazy” isn’t an insult; it’s validation. It’s the idea that innovation often comes from those willing to pursue paths others can’t even imagine.
Embracing uncertainty and breaking rules
While most people crave security, entrepreneurs embrace ambiguity. Whether launching a disruptive tech product, building a consumer brand from scratch, or reshaping an industry, the journey of entrepreneurship is filled with uncharted territory. It’s uncomfortable, unpredictable, and sometimes chaotic.
True entrepreneurs aren’t afraid to break rules to rewrite them. Uber didn’t follow traditional regulations; it redefined urban transportation. Airbnb didn’t adhere to conventional hospitality rules; it transformed the way we think about accommodation. These are bold moves that many labeled “crazy,” yet they reshaped entire industries.
The grit to stand alone
Being a founder often means standing alone. Friends and family may question the decision to leave a stable job, financial backers may be hard to find, and setbacks may feel personal. But that’s where grit comes in—an essential trait for the crazy ones. This grit isn’t just about persistence; it’s about resilience in the face of repeated failure, and the unwavering belief that success is still possible.
Elon Musk famously said, “If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it.” The crazy ones know that their path may be lonely and arduous, but they also know that the greatest triumphs come from risking everything for an idea they believe in.
Turning “impossible” into reality
If there’s one thing the crazy ones have in common, it’s their ability to turn the impossible into the possible. They don’t shy away from big goals or settle for small ambitions. They think, “Why not?” and, perhaps more importantly, “Why not me?”
Mathematician and economist Eric Weinstein described used the term “high agency” to describe this rare quality in individuals who reject the notion that their path is bound by limits and refuse to accept “impossible” as an answer. More about this in my next article.
When Sara Blakely launched Spanx with just $5,000 and zero experience in fashion, it seemed impossible to many. But Blakely didn’t just create a product; she revolutionised an industry and became the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire. Stories like hers show that to the crazy ones, impossible is simply a starting point.
The value of being bold—and different
In entrepreneurship, value often lies in what makes you different, not what makes you safe. Crazy entrepreneurs see things that others miss, dream bigger than others dare, and, in doing so, challenge norms. This fearlessness is what ultimately sets them apart and propels their ideas to success. While some may see irrationality, entrepreneurs know that the path to change isn’t paved with conventional wisdom. It’s paved by those daring enough to break from the norm.
Here’s to the crazy ones
Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of progress. They are the “crazy ones” who dare to challenge what’s possible and, in doing so, bring new ideas into the world. Every app, every new product, and every innovative service we use today exists because someone believed deeply in an idea that others thought was foolish.
So here’s to the crazy ones—the ones who dream without limit, who take risks without reservation, and who work tirelessly in the pursuit of a vision only they can see. Because ultimately, they’re not just crazy; they’re the ones who change the world.
