I was thinking about this the other day... there is a formula for success in a startup but of course this success does not have to overtake the success of other very important elements. Here's our first list of success criteria - we are hoping this discussion will build on our initial list and we should have a good exhaustive list with time.

      1.  Work with Amazing People

Don’t compromise on who you choose to found your company with and hire. Do not put up with ego-centric personalities or downer attitudes.

      2.  Take on Big Challenges

It’s pretty simple: Hard things are valuable; easy things are not so valuable. Reaching the mountaintop is rewarding because it is hard. If it was easy, everybody would do it.

      3.  Focus

Say no to most things: Features. People. Partnerships. “Coffees.” Projects. Only a few of them really matter. (Yes, it’s hard to know which.) Don’t get distracted.

      4.  Take Care of Yourself

When you don’t sleep, eat crap, don’t exercise, and are living off adrenaline for too long, your performance suffers. Your decisions suffer. Your company suffers.

      5.  Love those Close to You

Failure of your company is not failure in life. Failure in your relationships is.

What do you think of this list? Any other big ones we missed out? Use the comments section below to tell us.