Bad mood? No problem!

That is what my coach said to me when I told him about my frustration during the start-up phase. And he was right: A bad mood is not only a problem, but can also be an advantage.

Why do we have moods?

To understand why humans have moods, let’s first take a look at the animal world. A deer entering a new area for the first time feels insecure and is therefore in a bad mood. Only when it feels safe in this area does its bad mood turn into a good mood.

Our Brain: System 1 and System 2

Our brain operates using two systems: System 1 and System 2.

• System 1: fast, intuitive, energy-efficient, but prone to errors
• System 2: slow, deliberate, energy-intensive, but accurate

Good Mood and System 1

A good mood is associated with System 1. We feel good, are relaxed and creative, but at the same time more gullible and susceptible to manipulation.

Bad Mood and System 2

A bad mood, on the other hand, activates System 2. We become suspicious, wary and focused, which helps us make better decisions and fewer mistakes.

Bad Mood: The Better Survival Programme

A bad mood is actually the better survival programme, as it activates our conscious resources and helps us make the right decisions in uncertain situations.

Good Mood vs. Bad Mood: Which is Better for Founders?

A good mood is of course more pleasant, but for tasks such as decision-making, crisis management and conflict resolution, a bad mood is often better.

Why Founders Experience More Bad Moods

Founders are constantly in uncertain situations. Therefore, it is normal for them to experience more bad moods than good moods in the first years of starting up.

The Advantages of a Bad Mood for Founders

• Better Decisions: In the start-up phase, it is important to make the right decisions. A bad mood can help by activating System 2, making us more critical and sceptical.
• Fewer Mistakes: Founders are prone to mistakes. A bad mood can help avoid these mistakes by making us more focused and cautious.
• Greater Success: Studies show that companies led by founders in a “bad mood” are more successful than those led by founders in a “good mood”.

Tips for Founders Experiencing a Bad Mood

• Accept your bad mood: It is a normal part of the start-up phase.
• Use your bad mood to your advantage: Make decisions and solve problems when you are in a bad mood.
• Take care of yourself: Ensure you get enough sleep, eat healthily and exercise.
• Seek support: A coach or mentor can help you manage your bad mood.

Conclusion

A bad mood is not a problem for founders, but an advantage. It helps them make the right decisions, avoid mistakes and be more successful.