I almost started the wrong company and learned that starting a company is embarking on a decade+ long journey. The founder should be personally invested in their idea to succeed, as it will shape who they'll spend time with, how they'll spend their time, and what they'll talk about at every customer meeting. A successful startup requires more than just financial potential; it demands passion and dedication. Before starting a company, one should ask themselves five critical questions: Does the idea mean enough to you to spend the next 10 years on it? Will you want to talk about this idea every day? Do you care enough about the mission to overcome the hard times? Is this a good time to take on this much responsibility? What will your day-to-day be like, and what problem do you want to solve? The answers to these questions can help founders choose an idea that is meaningful to them and sets them up for success.