Most people in the entrepreneurial world feel that startups succeed or fail based upon the quality of the team running the show and their ability to handle the challenges that come their way. It’s not the idea, or the industry, or the marketing plan — it’s THE TEAM.
I subscribe to this philosophy and firmly believe that, for the vast majority of startups, it really does come down to execution. My definition of execution relies upon the unofficial Marine motto: time to improvise, adapt, and overcome.
All startups must adapt or fail
The reality is that very few startups ever do exactly what they set out to do. You must be prepared to improvise, adapt, and overcome your obstacles or you won’t find acceptance in the marketplace.
So, to all the current and future entrepreneurs out there, remember this: you are only as good as your ability to handle the unknown.
Improvise and do whatever it takes to get things done, adapt to the changing landscape and marketplace, and you will be in a position to overcome your fears and your competitors.
I was reminded last week how critical it is to step back and reassess difficult or challenging situations when a simple technology problem at home took far too long to resolve. This is true for your personal relationships, family life, and, most certainly, any efforts to build and run a startup. 
