“Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t so you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.” – Warren G. Tracy’s student.
People generally fail to understand that the latter part of the quote can be achieved after they successfully work on the prior. Thinking about becoming an entrepreneur and becoming one are two very different things. Action creates a difference.
Statistics suggest that 11 per cent of India’s adult population is engaged in “total early-stage entrepreneurial activity”, while only 5 per cent of the entire population of the country has been successful in running their businesses. Action-plans are easier to make but difficult to follow. The key characteristics of an entrepreneur are strong determination, immunity towards failure, hard work and patience. Rationally determining if one possesses these qualities is pivotal to one’s entrepreneurial journey.
What is the Right Time and Place to Become an Entrepreneur?
LinkedIn’s founder Reid Hoffman 43 when he made the platform public. Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook when he was only 19 and Gordon Bowker founded Starbucks at the age of 52. The concept of starting off when it’s right is vague and has no definite answer. However, it is essential to analyse upon the relevance of your business idea in the long run and its scope in the future.
Successful entrepreneurs like Walt Disney, Henry Ford, etc started off at garages. Factors like goal settings, building networks and selling your ideas are of greater importance.
In the latter stages, analyse if your company shall rationally benefit upon shifting to a certain place and accordingly act upon it.
“I think ordinary people can choose to be extraordinary”
– Elon Musk
How to Start your Entrepreneurial Journey?
Think, read, plan, implement and rectify.
Commitment towards these actions is crucial throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Cultivate a purpose, jot down ways of fulfilment and become aware of the extent of its importance for you.
Consequently, read about how you can take the idea in your head to its optimum, and what could be the ways to work upon it effectively.
Figure out an action plan and break your long term goals into shorter ones. Setting biggers targets and unreasonable deadlines can be counterproductive.
How to Successfully Implement your Plan of Actions?
Concrete progress begins only after implementation. Without it, the rest remain irrelevant. The strength of your intent to make a difference and self-efficacy influences your discipline and commitment to perform. Also, stop researching since it only creates more confusion at this stage. It is equally essential to reward yourself every time your work pays off. This helps in remaining motivated even during the times of failure. It is believed entrepreneurs do not shy away from failing, they embrace it. Always remain in touch with fellow entrepreneurs of different fields to learn about things that they do to overcome similar hurdles. Adding a personal touch always talks about your truthfulness towards your work and strengthens relationships with the people of the same community.
Becoming an entrepreneur might not be easy, but if other ordinary people could do it, you too can.
Do Something New
I really can’t stress this enough. Every time you go out on holiday with your better half, make sure to try at least one new thing. It could range from something as simple as renting that Harley Davidson for a day or even as intense as trekking to find a secluded beach to errm, chill at. Your holiday at some point will get over. These memories, they’re going to stay. So yes, travelling with your partner can be a lot of fun. It has definitely made my trips more enjoyable and I’ve gotta admit that I really like the company. The mountains in the east or the serene beaches down south - where do we go next? It looks like it’s time to apply for my next set of leaves!
