If you compromise and hire someone mediocre you will always regret it.
Growth solves (nearly) all problems
Long term thinking is so rare anywhere, but especially in startups. This is a huge advantage if you do it.
Wait to start a startup until you come up with an idea that you feel compelled to explore.
Move fast. Speed is one of your main advantages over large companies.
You're either not hiring at all or it's probably your single biggest block of time.