As a young entrepreneur, it’s lonely on the way up.

There’s a saying: It’s lonely at the top. Sometimes that’s true. When you’re successful, it’s often hard to find people to relate to. You certainly can’t relate to the masses. Most of the people you grew up with aren’t on the same page as you. Your environment just doesn’t push you to be your best.

This is why tribes like Maverick1000, EO, YPO and many mastermind groups exist. It’s not the only reason, but it’s a HUGE driver for their existence.

And while I believe it’s true that it’s lonely at the top, I’ve found this even truer:

It’s even lonelier on the way up.

As a young entrepreneur, your social decisions can dictate your future.

If you hang out with your peers, the ones you grew up with… you know, the ones who think you’re crazy, or amazing, or lucky or whatever. The ones who are partying it up every weekend in college. Or maybe they just got their first jobs after graduation, starting to really live in reality, and just learning to commiserate at the bar after work about their bosses, their hours, and talking about the good old days.

This group WILL NOT DRIVE YOU TO BE YOUR BEST.

They won’t.

In fact, this social structure will hold you back.

But here’s the deal: even if you’re fortunate enough to hangout with other successful entrepreneurs, people doing something significant, most of them are a generation older than you. They’re in a different world. They’re further a long in their journey.

They can be your mentors. You can look up to them. But it’s so hard to develop true friendships with them. To have unique and significant experiences with them. Even to party and celebrate with them.

So what are your choices?

Hangout with a social structure that holds you back, but maybe you have fun with… OR (if you’re fortunate enough) hangout with older entrepreneurs that push you and pull you up, but that might inadvertently rob you of your youthful experiences.

So what do you do?

Fuck both paths.

Don’t get me wrong, have your mentors. Hang out with those successful older entrepreneurs that pull you up.

But to be truly fulfilled in the now and experience the best of your youth while also becoming your best and creating your greatest future, you need to join or form a tribe.

A tribe of young entrepreneurs who are going in the same direction, with aligned values, and common futures.

A couple of years ago I first read Yanik’s 34 Rules For Entrepreneurs, and the rule that hit me most was #29:

“Mastermind and collaborate with other smart entrepreneurs if they have futures that are even bigger than their present.”

Another major lesson I learned from Yanik is the importance of enjoying the present, especially my youth.

Enjoy your youth and create the best future that you possibly can. Make your most meaningful memories while pushing yourself to achieve your greatest goals, purpose, and potential.

Find a tribe or form a tribe that helps you do that. It will probably make the greatest difference in your youth and your future.

And with that, I’m excited to launch a new tribe. A tribe to find and cultivate the Next Generation of Maverick Entrepreneurs. In partnership with Yanik Silver, we’re excited to pre-launch Maverick Next.

We’re only looking for a specific type of person: a young entrepreneur, 25 or younger, who already has a successful business, and who wants to make a significant impact in the world while living a fun, meaningful, and fulfilling life.

If that sounds like you, I invite you to pre-apply here.

Go out and find your tribe, or create it. It make will more difference than you can imagine on your growth, your memories, and your long term success.