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I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

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Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#2
Yeah, this hits a little close to home. My own (mis)adventure is pretty well documented[1], so I won't bore anybody with details, except to say: I'm living proof, and very nearly dead proof, of important parts of what Rui says. It's so easy to let your health go by the wayside, pushing yourself harder and harder, and thinking "I'll lose the weight next month" and then "next month" is "in six months" and then it's "next year" and so on.

I very literally almost died, and while there are a lot of factors in having a heart-attack (weight,genetics,stress,nutrition,etc., etc.), there is no question in my mind that three of the big contributing factors for me where A. stress, B. nutrition and C. weight. And sadly all three of those things are things I could / can control, unlike genetics.

Seriously folks, if you're out of shape, if you don't exercise, or if you are the living embodiment of that old joke about "the four food groups for programmers" (salt, sugar, fat and caffeine), please, please stop, wake up, and start taking nutrition seriously.

And don't think "I'm young, I'm only in my 20's, I have nothing to worry about". That's bullshit. You'll be 40 eventually (if you are lucky enough to live that long) and what you're doing with that mindset is letting "20 year old you" fuck over "40 year old you". It takes decades for the bad nutrition, lack of exercise, too much sugar, smoking, etc. to do their damage, so even if you don't see any outward signs now, the damage is being done, and the piper will need to be paid eventually.

[1]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8550315

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#3
I am addicted to Coca-Cola and need the caffeine to stop the headaches, my diet consists of quick easy takeout so I have enough time to work in the evenings and spend time with my 3 month old daughter. I am currently working on a side project that I hope will prove itself worthy of "giving it a shot". Now I'm thinking I need to get my health right before I even consider that...for want of a better saying, it's definitely food for thought.

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#4
post #3

I am addicted to Coca-Cola and need the caffeine to stop the headaches, my diet consists of quick easy takeout so I have enough time to work in the evenings and spend time with my 3 month old daughter. I am currently working on a side project that I hope will prove itself worthy of "giving it a shot". Now I'm thinking I need to get my health right before I even consider that...for want of a better saying, it's defini…

Caffeine withdrawal is just a few days...

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#5
post #4
post #3

I am addicted to Coca-Cola and need the caffeine to stop the headaches, my diet consists of quick easy takeout so I have enough time to work in the evenings and spend time with my 3 month old daughter. I am currently working on a side project that I hope will prove itself worthy of "giving it a shot". Now I'm thinking I need to get my health right before I even consider that...for want of a better saying, it's defini…

Caffeine withdrawal is just a few days...

Really? it was a painful week the last time I tried. I will give it a go again.

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#6
post #3

I am addicted to Coca-Cola and need the caffeine to stop the headaches, my diet consists of quick easy takeout so I have enough time to work in the evenings and spend time with my 3 month old daughter. I am currently working on a side project that I hope will prove itself worthy of "giving it a shot". Now I'm thinking I need to get my health right before I even consider that...for want of a better saying, it's defini…

Get your health right first. Your side project will always be there, the time you spend with your daughter will not.

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#7
post #5
post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Caffeine withdrawal is just a few days...

Really? it was a painful week the last time I tried. I will give it a go again.

I went cold turkey and it was very unpleasant. I cut it down gradually and it worked for me. Good luck!

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#8
post #6
post #3

I am addicted to Coca-Cola and need the caffeine to stop the headaches, my diet consists of quick easy takeout so I have enough time to work in the evenings and spend time with my 3 month old daughter. I am currently working on a side project that I hope will prove itself worthy of "giving it a shot". Now I'm thinking I need to get my health right before I even consider that...for want of a better saying, it's defini…

Get your health right first. Your side project will always be there, the time you spend with your daughter will not.

Unfortunately being first to market is key (I think). But yes, you're right, she is already changing so much everyday :-)! Either way, I need to find a better balance, is 3 months too young to teach her to code?!

Re: I Almost Let My Failed Startup Destroy Me

#10
post #5
post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Caffeine withdrawal is just a few days...

Really? it was a painful week the last time I tried. I will give it a go again.

Depends each time. First time I quit it was a week of headaches and two more weeks of sluggishness. Second time it was a day or two of headaches and a week of sluggishness.

Second time around I did just accept that I was going to take paracetamol by default (so on a regimen and not reactive to pain) to take the edge off the headaches though so that could've helped.

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