Embracing pain: The invisible struggle behind every business journey

The pain, struggle and even failure of not succeeding in business is often kept in the shadows and certainly not visible enough online. It’s more likely that we share stories of glory, forgetting that there’s a lot of tears, sweat and struggle behind it.

While building Sandborn, I encountered problems that I would never have imagined in my wildest dreams. One of the more “funny” problems was when the police rang my doorbell one morning. I was not even at home and a good friend opened the door and called me. We were both surprised and very worried. It turned out that I had left the board of directors of a start-up company some time ago, which was now in the process of being set up in accordance to Swiss law. Although I had not been active in this startup for some time (the other former board members were all in the US at the time) – I was the only person the state could reach (they call this Durchgriffsrecht in the “OR”, where the board and former board can be held personally liable). In another problematic start-up situation, we could not come to an agreement with a supplier and they ended up going to court. Fortunately, we were able to reach a solution through the “mediation judge” without escalating the situation further, but my colleagues did not turn up for the mediation and I was left emotionally alone in the mediation meeting and ended up crying (yes, crying in business meetings has happened to me too). These struggles didn’t just affect my work at times, but sometimes extended into my personal life. Paradoxical as it may sound, science tells us that pain and failure are essential for fulfillment and happiness. So how do we keep rising from the ashes?

Pain as a path to happiness
Intuitively, we might think that happiness comes from maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. But the reality is more complex. Pleasure alone isn’t enough to create a meaningful life. In many cases, pain increases our capacity for pleasure. Consider the runner’s high: after intense physical exertion, runners often experience a euphoric feeling linked to the production of endorphins – neurochemicals that are also released in response to pain. 

Alleviating sadness through pain
Interestingly, studies show that pain relief doesn’t just increase our happiness, it also reduces feelings of sadness. While pain is not something we naturally seek out, its resolution creates a level of satisfaction and contentment that pleasure alone cannot provide

Pain as a rewarding experience
Pain has a way of justifying pleasure. Think of the satisfaction of rewarding yourself after a workout or finally relaxing after a busy day. The struggle makes the reward that much sweeter, and the pain we endure creates a sense of accomplishment that amplifies the pleasure we allow ourselves afterwards.

The link between pain and mindfulness
In a world full of distractions, pain forces us to be present. Imagine a heavy book falling on your toe in the middle of a conversation – would you continue chatting or would your immediate focus shift to your toe? Pain brings us into the moment and makes us more attuned to our surroundings.

Pain as a bonding force
Pain doesn’t just connect us to our environment; it brings us closer together. When we go through a disaster, crisis or personal loss, we find ourselves leaning on others who understand the same struggle. In these moments, the usual social barriers seem to fall away and people come together in ways they might not otherwise.

Embracing pain on the business journey isn’t about glorifying struggle; it’s about recognising how it shapes us. Challenges deepen our resilience, give meaning to our successes and connect us to others. Pain isn’t just an obstacle – it’s an essential part of growth, turning our setbacks into stepping stones.

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