Twentieth century literary giant Franz Kafka produced such iconic works as The Metamorphosis, The Trial, and The Castle. Trained as a lawyer, he worked after law school graduation at an insurance company, dedicating his spare time to writing; reminding me of Patrick J. McGinnis’ book, The 10% Entrepreneur: Live Your Startup Dream Without Quitting Your Day Job.

Validation of Kafka’s passionate pursuit of and commitment to writing comes from the fact that few of his works were published during his lifetime and those that were, such as Contemplation and A Country Doctor, received little public attention. His motivation came from a deep, authentic calling not unlike that felt by entrepreneurs for whom his advice is on the mark:

“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.”