When you think of successful entrepreneurs, what images immediately come to mind?
Do you see a well-dressed individual surrounded by a posse, jet-setting from one exciting place to the next in private planes, exotic cars and yachts?
Or do you see someone sitting all alone in their sweat pants, behind a desk, computer or stack of books at 5 am in the morning working, all alone?
To the outside observer, the entrepreneur’s journey is invisible. But to the entrepreneur, that journey is real, unforgettable and not at all an easy one.
With some entrepreneurs, their journey towards success makes them feel like they are running at breakneck speed on a treadmill, where, despite their best daily efforts, little to no progress is made.
For other entrepreneurs, their journey feels like a slow walk through hell. A hell in which they must overcome one hurdle after another, one let down after another, one disappointment after another, one problem after another or one rejection after another.
Lastly, there are the entrepreneurs who are consistently ignored. Important people, people with power and influence, don’t respond to their emails, don’t return their phone calls and cancel important meetings at the last minute.
The early stages of being an entrepreneur are like being stuck in a cave for many years, the outside world oblivious to their amazing talents, skills, products or services.
Perhaps the worst part about the entrepreneur’s journey is knowing that, with just a little luck, everything could change in a heartbeat. But that luck, unfortunately, eludes them for many years.
In short, it’s not a life you would wish on your worst enemy, let alone a family member or friend.
So, what keeps most entrepreneurs in the game? What magical superpowers do successful entrepreneurs have that allows them to persist for so many years, before success eventually visits them?
Three things:
- Belief in Themselves
- Eternal Optimism and
- Love For the Work That They Do
Successful entrepreneurs just believe they are good enough, or will become good enough to succeed.
Successful entrepreneurs are optimistic that they will succeed and that all of the hard work and struggle will pay big dividends down the road.
Successful entrepreneurs love the work that they do. That love of work, or passion for what they do, is the source of their energy, motivation and enthusiasm, despite the stifling nothingness or constant hardships they must endure.
So, the next time you see a successful entrepreneur, don’t envy their wealth. Instead, envy their ability to survive the journey.
About Thomas C. Corley
This is very accurate and encouraging, Tom! Thanks for sharing!
Tks Rodney!
I absolutely love your daily subscription, and love your books. Im part of Michael Yardneys mentorship group and was at the last Wealth Retreat. You explain things beautifully and I always recommend your blog to everyone I know and even people I don’t. The first daily habit to have, is to read your blog. Its life changing! Please never stop, you are the entrepreneur you speak about in this article you have written about. And I admire your ability to survive.
Tks Paula for your kind words. I will be coming back to Australia this June for another Wealth Retreat. Hope to see you there.
Hit the nail on the head……printing this off now to keep it in front of me as a reminder to keep going no matter what. Thanks for another great post.