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“لا تؤجل عمل اليوم إلى الغد” is the Arabic equivalent of Do not postpone the work of today for tomorrow”, and is perhaps one of the most used proverbs in the Arab world to encourage those who procrastinate into doing the work they keep putting off, and it works. Launching a startup can be a challenging endeavor, it’s a journey filled with ups and downs, so if you’re in need of some good old-fashioned Arab wisdom, keep reading!

Here are a few aphorisms of the generous well of proverbs for you to live and succeed with. 

  1. الثروة تأتي كالسلحفاة وتذهب كالغزال

Wealth comes like a turtle, and runs away like a gazelle.” This proverb can serve as a calm reminder to entrepreneurs, meaning that finding wealth may take ages, but it can disappear all too quickly. So keep your eyes open, and be cautious of the devil that sits on your shoulder and nudges you to buy that unnecessary new expensive projector or coffee machine to spice up your newly furnished office. Our advice? Save up, make intelligent investments, and don’t make reckless decisions.   

  1.   تجري الرياح بما لا تشتهي السفن

Winds blow counter to what the ship wants.” Entrepreneurship is a get-some-lose-some business, and this reflects in the proverb which fundamentally projects a similar sentiment that’s very important: you don’t get everything your way. Fortunately, there is no guidebook in the world of business that specifies the existence of only one way, so if your way doesn’t work, there’s always different methods to tackle and try.

  1. التجارب ليست لها نهاية والمرء منها في زيادة

There is always something to learn from experimentation.” This one’s pretty obvious on its own and can be taken as an extension from the aforementioned proverb. Experimentation is the greatest science and with each possible failure, there’s a closer way to success. So don’t give up, and zero-in on your goals and approach them from every possible angle. It’s okay to launch a startup and then realize that you won’t make as much profit. It’s okay to change your mind and decide that you want to change direction with your startup because that’s how you will gain experience and learn.

  1. في العجلة الندامة و في التأني السلامة

In haste there is regret, but in patience, there is peace and safety.” This means you shouldn’t rush things and take time doing your work. We know a startup needs to move fast, but slow down a little. Remember, you’re playing a long-term game, not a short-term one. There’s a difference in the quality of your work when you’re trying to finish it quickly to meet a deadline, rather than when you give your undivided attention, time and care. 

Being a successful entrepreneur takes a lot of work, vision, and perseverance. Planning is only half of living, so make sure that your plans have fruitful results and leave a path of triumph in your wake. Entrepreneurship may be quite the ship to board and start sailing, so keep in mind these inspiring proverbs to motivate and help you reach the sunny side you’re trying to reach. 

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