3 Documentaries Every Entrepreneur Needs to Watch
The entrepreneurial journey often comes with immense pressure to hustle endlessly, sacrificing health, relationships, and mental well-being in pursuit of success. But behind the glamor of billion-dollar valuations often lies a reality of burnout and personal loss.
These 3 powerful documentaries offer critical lessons for entrepreneurs to build their businesses without breaking themselves:
1. Don’t Die: The Cost of Obsession
Bryan Johnson’s Don’t Die delivers a raw exploration of the price of entrepreneurial obsession. Johnson, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Braintree (which acquired Venmo), achieved massive financial success but at the expense of his mental and physical health.
Relentlessly chasing growth, Johnson reached a breaking point where he realized that his drive for success was unsustainable. He stepped back from his ventures and shifted his focus to longevity and self-care, diving into biohacking experiments to improve his quality of life.
The key takeaway: Growth at any cost is dangerous. Entrepreneurs must prioritize their health and well-being to sustain long-term success.
2. The Playbook: Coaching Rules for Life and Business
The Playbook profiles elite coaches like Doc Rivers, Patrick Mouratoglou, and José Mourinho, who have guided some of the world’s top athletes. Their experiences offer lessons that apply directly to entrepreneurs:
- Doc Rivers: Overcoming personal loss and setbacks, Rivers led the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship, demonstrating that mental resilience and self-reflection are crucial in leadership.
- Patrick Mouratoglou: As Serena Williams’ coach, Mouratoglou emphasizes consistency, discipline, and recovery. His philosophy underscores that peak performance requires managing both mental and physical health.
- José Mourinho: Known for his high-pressure coaching style, Mourinho teaches the importance of setting boundaries and reassessing goals to sustain success over time.
The lesson: Success isn’t just about constant hustle—it’s about managing emotions, recovering from setbacks, and maintaining balance.
3. Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates—The Power of Balance
Bill Gates is the archetype of a successful entrepreneur, but Inside Bill’s Brain reveals how balance has played a pivotal role in his life and career. After stepping down as Microsoft’s CEO, Gates pivoted to philanthropy, using his resources to create global impact through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Key practices that fuel Gates’s success include:
- Think Weeks: Gates completely disconnects to read, strategize, and reflect, proving that stepping back fuels creativity and innovation.
- Physical Activity: Gates incorporates long walks into his daily routine, using movement as a tool for mental clarity.
The takeaway: Purpose-driven work and balance are essential for sustaining creativity, innovation, and long-term success.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Business Without Breaking Yourself
Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. The stories in these documentaries reveal that relentless pursuit of business success can come at a devastating cost to health, happiness, and relationships.
The biggest lesson? Balance matters. Mental and physical well-being are non-negotiable for sustainable success. If you lose yourself in the process, your business might thrive—but at what personal cost?
True success lies in building a life that’s as rich and fulfilling as your business. Prioritize your health, nurture your relationships, and make time to reflect. After all, success isn’t just about achieving milestones—it’s about enjoying the journey along the way.
