The Pursuit of the Tangent

“It is rarely a waste of time to pursue something you're drawn to, even if you end up quitting," insists Wapnick. "You might apply that knowledge in a different field entirely in a way that you couldn't have anticipated."

This advice, at first glance, may seem antithetical to the core principles that guide founders. Your path is a complex labyrinth of decisions, where seemingly insignificant choices can lead to monumental consequences. However, dig deeper into Wapnick's statement and you unearth an unvarnished truth that's vital for any founder: the value of seemingly tangential pursuits.

The essence here is not about aimless wandering, but the often underestimated power of the peripheral vision. You are deeply embedded in your venture, but your peripheral pursuits—those you are drawn to without clear justification—can have a transformative impact. Steve Jobs, as we all know, delved into calligraphy before shaping the typography of the tech world. On the surface, it's a frivolity; in retrospect, it's foundational. Peripheral pursuits don't disrupt the core; they often fortify it, adding layers of complexity that become your competitive edge.

Trusting your gut is not just a catchy phrase; it’s a foundational business strategy. As founders, you not only trust the market and the numbers, but you also have an unspoken trust in your own instincts, however inexplicable they may be at times. When that guttural urge draws you toward something unrelated, understand that it's not a frivolous distraction but a form of innate intelligence speaking. It might not pay off immediately, but these pursuits embed themselves into the fabric of your leadership, decision-making, and often, the very products or services you offer.

Wapnick’s insight shouldn’t be dismissed as mere poetic philosophy; it’s an operational mantra. The pursuits you are drawn to, however unrelated, are rarely a waste of time. They fill the unseen gaps, sharpen your instincts, and widen your scope of trust.

For a founder or creative ceo, I'd argue that's not just beneficial—it's essential.