The Epileptic Entrepreneur™

Imagine two boats on a vast open sea. In the first boat, you have a well-balanced team—eight people rowing in unison, their oars slicing through the water with precision and power, while one person steers, ensuring they stay on course. This boat moves forward efficiently, cutting through waves with purpose and direction. Everyone knows their role, and because they work together, they make progress.

Now, picture the second boat. In this one, the roles are reversed—eight people are trying to steer, each pulling the boat in different directions, while only one person is left to row. No matter how hard that single rower works, the boat barely moves, caught in an endless struggle of confusion and inefficiency. The weight of the journey falls entirely on one exhausted individual while the others, despite their best intentions, create more chaos than progress.

No one wants to be that one person desperately rowing against the impossible. And yet, in life, business, and personal challenges, many people find themselves in that exact situation—trying to push forward alone while surrounded by conflicting voices, directionless leadership, or a lack of true support. Without teamwork, without a shared vision, even the strongest individual will eventually burn out.

The Role of Leadership and Contribution

The difference between these two boats isn’t just about numbers; it’s about structure and teamwork. The first boat succeeds because it has a clear leader who steers, but more importantly, it has a strong team that understands the importance of execution. The rowers don’t waste time arguing about where to go—they trust the one steering to provide direction while they focus on moving the boat forward. Their efforts are aligned, and their combined strength allows them to reach their destination efficiently.

In contrast, the second boat is full of people who all want to steer but aren’t willing to do the hard work of rowing. They may all have opinions on where to go, but without effort driving the boat forward, those opinions mean little. The one person who is rowing is quickly drained, and progress slows to a crawl. Instead of working together, the boat drifts aimlessly, never truly getting anywhere.

This scenario plays out in workplaces, organizations, and even personal relationships. Too many leaders with no one willing to execute results in stagnation. Meanwhile, a single person trying to carry the entire burden alone will eventually collapse under the weight of exhaustion. True progress happens when there is a balance between leadership and contribution, between vision and action.

The Key to Moving Forward

The reality is, success—whether in personal growth, business, or overcoming challenges—comes from having the right balance. Like the first boat, a strong team understands the importance of clear roles, collaboration, and trust. The rowers provide the effort, the steerer provides the direction, and together, they move forward. But in the second boat, where too many try to control without contributing to the real work, progress becomes impossible.

This concept applies to all areas of life. In a business setting, a great leader is nothing without a dedicated team to execute their vision. In relationships, one person cannot always be the only one making an effort while the other dictates how things should go. Even in personal development, you cannot rely solely on advice and guidance without putting in the work to change and grow.

Success requires action. It requires people who are willing to row and a leader who is trusted to steer. More importantly, it requires teamwork—everyone working toward the same goal rather than pulling in different directions.

Which Boat Are You In?

So, ask yourself: Which boat are you in? Are you part of a team that moves together toward a shared goal, or are you struggling alone, trying to move a boat weighed down by too many hands on the wheel? If you feel like the lone rower, it may be time to re-evaluate your situation. Surround yourself with people who are willing to put in the work alongside you. If you’re in a team where everyone wants to lead but no one wants to row, it might be time to introduce structure and accountability.

No one succeeds alone. True success comes when we recognize the value of teamwork, lean on others when needed, and row together toward a common destination. The best journeys in life aren’t about who’s in charge—they’re about who’s willing to work together to get there. Choose your boat wisely.