I’ve always been fascinated by how entrepreneurs think. They don’t just sit around waiting for the future to arrive; instead, they believe in creating it. That notion is at the heart of [[Effectual Reasoning]]: a mindset that says we can shape tomorrow through our decisions, our actions, and our imagination. After reading “[What Makes Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurial](https://khoslaventures.com/wp-content/uploads/What_makes_entrepreneurs_entrepreneurial.pdf)” - I’m convinced that entrepreneurs aren’t fixated on forecasting market trends to the nth degree. Instead, they focus on engaging with the people who will actively build the future. It’s a philosophy that fires me up, because it reminds me that real change doesn’t come from spectators: it comes from doers. ### What I learnt 1. **Effectual Reasoning Over Prediction** At its core, effectual reasoning rejects the idea that we must predict everything before we start. Instead, it encourages entrepreneurs - like me - to get our hands dirty and **work with whatever resources we already have**. We don’t try to figure out the perfect future scenario; we dive in and shape it one decision at a time. See: [[The Deep Tech Growth Cycle is different#4. Be wary of corporate tax.]] 2. **Affordable Loss Mentality** Another big insight is how entrepreneurs ***limit risks***. Rather than pouring every last resource into a single plan, they consider ***what they can afford to lose.*** This perspective frees us to take bold steps without being crippled by fear: because we’re only risking what we can comfortably live without. 3. **Co-Creation with Stakeholders** Effectual thinkers understand that the ***future is co-created.*** We achieve success by partnering with decision-makers and doers who share our vision or can add valuable perspectives. When I look around, I see that my best opportunities come from collaborating with people who also believe they can shape the world, rather than waiting for it to shape them. ### So What? All of this leads me to one primary takeaway: If I want to drive meaningful change, I have to stop trying to forecast every twist and turn. It’s not that I shouldn’t plan, but I should let my action-oriented mindset and strong partnerships pull me forward. My energy is best spent teaming up with others who believe in forging the yet-to-be-made future. It’s about acting on the belief that we’re not just passengers on the ride of history: we’re drivers, and the map is ours to create.