Why I Never Built a Unicorn + There's Still Time
When I was in my 20s, I had this grand vision of building a billion-dollar company—a “unicorn,” as Silicon Valley likes to call it. I pictured the accolades, the Forbes features, and the cocktail party conversations where people would say, “He’s the guy who built that.” Instead, I built...a comfortable life. No unicorns. Not even a pony.
But here’s the kicker: I don’t regret it. Not one bit. And yet, if you’re reading this, you might be thinking, Yeah, but I want my unicorn. Or worse, I’m stuck in a life that feels like it’s galloping in circles. So, let’s unpack this together, shall we? Why didn’t I build a unicorn, and why does it matter that there’s still time—for you and me both?
1. Unicorns Require Single-Mindedness (But Life Doesn’t)
To build a billion-dollar company, you have to say “no” to almost everything else. Relationships, hobbies, your sanity—off the table. It’s like trying to win the Tour de France while blindfolded and pedaling uphill. Sure, some people pull it off, but at what cost?
I prioritized balance: my family, my health, my friendships. Would I trade those for a glass-walled office and a corporate jet? Not on your life.
Ask yourself: What are you saying “yes” to that might be worth more than a unicorn? And what are you saying “no” to that’s holding you back?
2. Your Version of Success Might Look Different
Here’s the truth they don’t tell you in business school: success isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it’s an IPO. For others, it’s building a small business that lets them coach Little League or take a Thursday off just because.
Take John Adams, for example. While Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, Adams was behind the scenes, ensuring it actually got signed. Jefferson got the glory; Adams got the legacy of being indispensable. Both men succeeded—just differently.
Think about it: Are you chasing someone else’s definition of success, or your own?
3. The World Rewards Bold Decisions, Not Just Big Ones
Building a unicorn isn’t about perfection; it’s about boldness. But boldness doesn’t always have to look like launching a startup. It could mean leaving a job you hate, rebuilding after a divorce, or starting that side hustle you’ve been dreaming about for years.
Hypothetical: Let’s say you’re a mid-level manager in a soul-crushing job. What’s bolder: grinding it out for another decade, or risking a “step down” to do something that lights you up?
Reflect: What bold decision could you make this week? Even a small one.
4. Failure Isn’t the End—It’s Fertilizer
I’ll be honest: I failed a lot. There were ventures that flopped, ideas that fizzled, and partnerships that imploded. But failure isn’t final. It’s compost. It stinks at first, but over time, it grows the good stuff.
Look at Abraham Lincoln. He lost more elections than most people enter. And yet, he went on to lead a nation through its darkest days. Failure didn’t define him—it refined him.
Question for you: What “failure” in your life could be the fertilizer for your next big move?
5. There’s Still Time (Yes, Really)
We live in a culture obsessed with youth and speed. If you haven’t “made it” by 30, you’re considered a late bloomer. Nonsense. Colonel Sanders didn’t franchise KFC until he was in his 60s. J.K. Rowling was broke in her 30s before Harry Potter changed everything.
The clock isn’t your enemy; your mindset is.
Challenge: What’s one thing you’ve been putting off because you think it’s “too late”? Start it today.
Closing Thoughts: Redefine Your Unicorn
When I look back, I realize I did build something—a family, a career I’m proud of, a life I don’t need a vacation from. And maybe that’s my unicorn.
For you, it might look different. But here’s what I know for sure: being “stuck” is just the starting line. You don’t need a billion-dollar company to live a life of bold, meaningful decisions.
So, the question isn’t, Why didn’t I build a unicorn? The question is, What’s stopping me from building something incredible now?
Go ahead. Your unicorn—or whatever it is—might just be waiting. 🦄