What is being anti-fragile? What I’ve learned at MIT is that means that when you’re in the midst of a chaotic or distressing situation, you’re not only able to be resilient and roll with the punches, but instead, enhance your capabilities in the moment. -- Carly

One of the itches I was feeling when I began to realize I wanted to leave Goldman Sachs was to have more opportunities to meet new people, more frequently. Once I started working for the New York City Economic Development Corporation, I not only validated that connecting with new people did indeed make me happier, but I realized that it could actually be part of my future job requirements for any job.

I have continued that practice to this day, and my role at MIT is certainly no exception. There are weeks when I can meet 10-20 new people. One of my favorite new friends from the last two years there is Dip Patel, who is a startup founder, my co-teacher in Building an Entrepreneurial Venture: Advanced Tools and Techniques at MIT, and current CTO at Soluna.

Dip recently invited me to be a guest on Soluna’s podcast, The Kingdom, to talk about the benefits of an entrepreneurial mindset in business.  

But, having an entrepreneurial mindset is not only helpful in business or when you’re founding a company. It’s also helpful in many other aspects of your life, including your career.

What is an entrepreneurial mindset?

At MIT, we define it as being an anti-fragile human. 

To me, that means that when you’re in the midst of a chaotic or distressing situation, you’re not only able to be resilient and roll with the punches, but instead, enhance your capabilities in the moment.

Let’s apply this idea to a time when you were contemplating making a shift in your professional life, whether that was taking on new responsibilities at your job or finding an entirely new opportunity. You certainly wanted to be able to stay sane throughout the process, and handle the inevitable no’s that you would likely get. But, imagine if your reactions during this uncertain and challenging time could have been even more dynamic than just that? What if the no’s weren’t disappointing, but informative and energizing? Just like me, you might find that mindset far more inspiring.

In the podcast, Dip and I talk through some specific anti-fragile traits that we have developed in ourselves over time, and also see in our students at MIT.

Here are three of our favorite anti-fragile traits:

1. Stay open minded and say yes. Stay opened minded enough to say yes when unexpected opportunities arise that could be a fit. You can learn from them, even if they’re ultimately a no.

2. Be honest about, and unafraid of, your weaknesses. Instead of dwelling on them, recognize other skills that help fill those gaps and leverage your unique strengths and authentic interests.

3. Know what gives you energy. Notice what fills your tank and what empties it.

There are many more but these are a start. For the whole 34 minute conversation, listen (or watch!) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxLGSJl06zc&t=1009s

Have any additional anti-fragile traits that you’ve honed over time? Comment here or email us at hello@thecrabwalk.com anytime.