There’s no shortage of statistics out there about small business failure. You hear the numbers all the time—50% fail within five years, only a third survive beyond ten. But I think the real story behind those numbers isn’t just about cash flow or competition.
In my opinion, small businesses don’t fail because entrepreneurs aren’t capable—they fail because too many are walking into the journey unprepared.
And a big reason for that?
We’re not being honest enough with the next generation of business owners.
I think about business like climbing a mountain.
It’s long. It’s steep. It will test you mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially.
Now imagine this: You’re standing at the base of the mountain, excited but nervous, and you look up to someone already halfway up the trail. You call out and ask them what it’s like.
And they shout back:
“Oh it’s easy! Just do X, Y, and Z—and you’ll be right up here with me in no time!”
What they don’t mention is the twisted ankle they got on mile three.
The night they had to sleep in the cold with no shelter.
The days they wanted to quit, or the mistakes they made that cost them time, money, or even relationships.
By only sharing the accomplishments and none of the setbacks, they’ve painted a false picture.
And that does real harm.
Because when you set out expecting an easy walk and you hit your first stretch of rocky terrain, it doesn’t just catch you off guard—it makes you question everything.
“Am I in the wrong business?”
“Am I not smart enough?”
“Why is this so much harder than I thought?”
And when those questions hit hard enough, most people don’t keep climbing.
They turn around and go back.
I’ve talked to so many young men and women over the years—talented, passionate, full of potential—who have said things like:
“I don’t really want to work that hard.”
“My buddy started a business and said it was easy.”
“My cousin has a company and he barely shows up.”
It’s not their fault.
They were told a version of the story that skipped the struggle.
They were sold a highlight reel with the hard parts edited out.
But the truth is, it takes everything to build something real.
It takes early mornings and late nights.
It takes failing publicly and showing back up the next day.
It takes sacrifices you didn’t know you’d have to make—and grit you didn’t know you had.
What they needed wasn’t someone to sugarcoat it.
They needed someone to say:
“It’s worth it, but it’s going to be tough.
Count the cost.
Prepare for the climb.
And commit to the journey.”
We need more mentors who tell the truth.
We need more business owners willing to be vulnerable about the hard stuff—not just the wins.
Because the next generation of entrepreneurs is capable of greatness—but only if they’re prepared for the reality of the road ahead.
If we can do a better job sharing the full story—not just the Instagram-worthy moments but the gritty, sleepless, doubt-filled ones too—then maybe more people will stay in the fight.
Maybe more businesses will survive.
And maybe more entrepreneurs will reach the summit without losing themselves on the way.
Stay strong. Stay focused. Stay in business
