Even if the startup was unsuccessful, I bet you learned a lot along the way. Reflecting on how much you've grown may help you feel fulfilled by the experience.

Even if the startup was unsuccessful, I bet you learned a lot along the way. Reflecting on how much you've grown may help you feel fulfilled by the experience. That said, "grief" is the right word to use. The University of Helsinki ran a study comparing activity in the reward centers of the brains of entrepreneur parents. The study concludes that love of one's business and love of kids light up similar reward pathways in an MRI scan.[1] I would work with a therapist to coach me through the grieving process. Think of it like hiring a personal fitness coach for your mental health. [1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hbm.23562 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hbm.23562