Colby B. Jubenville, PhD, is an international speaker, author, educator and coach. He is the Host of the Goat Consulting Podcast.
As an entrepreneur, advancing confidently in the direction of your dream is a journey that often feels isolating. On this road, loneliness becomes the defining characteristic, separating dreamers from those who merely exist.
The Tax On Vision
Pursuing a vision that others can’t imagine brings resistance—not only from the world but, more painfully, from the people closest to you, including trusted friends and colleagues. It’s not that they don’t care; it’s that they don’t understand the road you’ve chosen. Their mindset is wired for safety, security and predictability.
When you push the boundaries of what’s possible, people around you will voice their concerns. You’ll hear things like, “Are you sure this is what you want?” or “Maybe it’s time to do something more stable.” It’s only after you push through that first layer of doubt that the real challenge begins, and loneliness becomes a constant in your life. The higher you climb, the thinner the air gets, and fewer people can make the ascent with you.
Here’s the truth: Business greatness has always been a lonely pursuit. It requires you to see opportunities others can’t and keep going when others fall away. The loneliness you feel isn’t a sign of failure; it’s proof that you’re moving in the right direction. It’s the cost of clarity, or what I call the tax on vision.
The real question is whether you’re willing to walk that road alone, trusting that a life of meaning and fulfillment waits on the other side.
Case Studies: Football Legends
Tom Landry, the legendary Dallas Cowboys coach, knew this all too well. His early years with the Cowboys were marked by constant struggle. Five consecutive losing seasons made many question whether he was the right fit. But Landry didn’t let external doubt dictate his journey. He stayed true to his vision, believing that his system, though unorthodox, would eventually produce greatness. It was a lonely path, where few believed in his methods, but perseverance paid off with two Super Bowl championships and an enduring legacy.
Nick Saban’s career is another example of the loneliness inherent in chasing greatness. After a rocky tenure with the Miami Dolphins, many doubted whether Saban had what it took to be an elite coach. But Saban chose not to seek validation from others. He returned to college football, built a powerhouse at Alabama and won multiple national championships. His story teaches that clarity and confidence in your path are worth more than the approval of the crowd.
Greatness Means Walking Alone
Greatness demands that you press on when others stop, and that often means walking alone. When you set out on the path toward your dreams, the crowd will try to slow you down because your vision challenges their comfort. Stay focused, avoid seeking external validation and trust the process.
The higher you climb in business, the fewer people will remain. But those who reach the top, like Landry and Saban, find that every lonely step is worth it. That’s why I say that loneliness isn’t a sign of failure; it’s evidence that you’re where you need to be.
So the question remains: Are you willing to walk toward your vision, even if sometimes you walk alone? Greatness doesn’t come with a crowd. Greatness comes with focus, clarity and the courage to keep going. Stay the course, keep moving forward and let the crowd watch as you rise.
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