Nine patterns that derail founders quietly. Spot them in yourself before they compound.

1. Building before talking to customers
2. Hiring for titles rather than the work
3. Trying to do everything yourself past 10 employees
4. Not firing fast enough
5. Chasing trends instead of depth
6. Reading about entrepreneurship more than practising it
7. Seeking validation instead of feedback
8. Optimising for survival too long; should be optimising for growth
9. Neglecting your health until it demands attention

Nine patterns. Most founders do at least three. Awareness is the first fix; sustained correction is the second.