XiaoTong Column · 2025-07-18

Founder’s Q&A “”I Can’t Fall for My Parents”: How Family Becomes the Driving Force for Entrepreneurship”

“For My Parents, I Can’t Fall”: How Family Becomes the Driving Force for Entrepreneurship

Problem Analysis: The Dual Pressures and Motivations of Family and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is a challenging path. Family is often the most solid backing for entrepreneurs, but it can also be the heaviest burden. Many people choose to start a business with the original intention of providing a better life for their families, especially ensuring their parents can live worry – free in their later years. However, this sense of responsibility can also become a huge pressure, even making entrepreneurs feel a sense of urgency that they “can’t fall.”

The root causes of the problem are as follows:
1. Interweaving of Emotions and Responsibilities: The support and expectations of parents may make entrepreneurs feel that they must succeed; otherwise, they will let their families down.
2. Financial Pressure: In the early stages of entrepreneurship, income is often unstable, while family expenses do not decrease accordingly, especially the medical and pension needs of parents.
3. Psychological Burden: Entrepreneurs may fall into anxiety due to fear of failure, worrying that their failure will drag their families down.

However, precisely this belief of “can’t fall” can also be transformed into a powerful driving force. Family is not only a source of pressure but also the reason for entrepreneurs to persevere and the source of their strength.


Solutions: How to Transform Family into the Driving Force for Entrepreneurship

1. Clarify the Original Intention of Entrepreneurship

The original intention of entrepreneurship is often closely related to family. Whether it is to improve the living conditions of parents or to realize the family’s dream, clarifying this can help entrepreneurs find reasons to persevere in difficult times.

Suggestions:
– Write down your original intention of entrepreneurship and paste it in a prominent place to remind yourself at all times.
– Communicate with your parents to understand their true thoughts and avoid unnecessary pressure caused by misunderstandings.

2. Develop a Reasonable Family Financial Plan

The instability in the early stages of entrepreneurship may affect the family’s economic situation. Therefore, developing a reasonable financial plan to ensure that the family’s basic needs are met is the key to reducing pressure.

Suggestions:
– Set aside at least six months of family emergency funds to cope with income fluctuations in the early stages of entrepreneurship.
– Purchase necessary insurance (such as medical insurance and endowment insurance) for your parents to reduce future economic burdens.

3. Learn to Balance Family and Career

Entrepreneurship requires a lot of time and energy, but family support is equally important. Learn to balance the two and avoid neglecting the emotional needs of your family due to excessive focus on work.

Suggestions:
– Set aside fixed family time, such as having dinner with your parents or calling them every week.
– Let your family know about your entrepreneurial progress so that they can feel involved rather than being left out.

4. Transform Family Support into Motivation

The encouragement and support of family members are the most precious resources for entrepreneurs. Learn to accept and be grateful for this support instead of regarding it as pressure.

Suggestions:
– Regularly share your entrepreneurial achievements with your family. Even small progress can boost their confidence.
– When encountering difficulties, confide in your family. Their encouragement may give you new inspiration.

5. Cultivate a Positive Mindset

Setbacks are inevitable on the entrepreneurial road, but the belief of “for my parents, I can’t fall” can be the driving force for you to get up again.

Suggestions:
– Regard failure as an opportunity to learn rather than an end.
– Spend a few minutes every day reflecting and being grateful to maintain a positive mindset.


Case Study: How Family Contributes to Entrepreneurs’ Success

Case: Jack Ma and His Family

Jack Ma is one of the most famous entrepreneurs in China, and his success is inseparable from his family’s support. In the early stages of entrepreneurship, Jack Ma experienced multiple failures and was even ridiculed as a “fraud.” However, his wife, Zhang Ying, always believed in him and supported him in his most difficult times. Jack Ma once publicly said, “Without my family’s support, I might have given up long ago.”

The Role of Family:
1. Emotional Support: Zhang Ying was not only Jack Ma’s wife but also his entrepreneurial partner and spiritual pillar.
2. Financial Support: In the early days of Alibaba’s establishment, the family’s financial support helped Jack Ma through the most difficult period.
3. Transmission of Belief: Although Jack Ma’s parents did not understand the Internet, they always believed in their son’s choice, and this trust became his driving force to persevere.

Inspiration:
Family support is not only material but also spiritual. The success of entrepreneurs often depends on their family’s unconditional trust and encouragement.


Conclusion

Family is the warmest haven and the most powerful driving force for entrepreneurs. The belief of “for my parents, I can’t fall” can be the strength for you to forge ahead on the entrepreneurial road. The key lies in how to transform this sense of responsibility into positive motivation rather than a heavy burden.

Remember:
– Family support is your greatest asset.
– Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. Learn to grow with your family.
– Whether you succeed or not, your family’s love will never change.

May every entrepreneur be able to go further and more steadily with the company of their family.

“为了父母,我不能倒下”:家庭如何成为创业的动力|创始人Q&A

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