The American dream used to be a white picket fence, 2.5 kids and a Mercedes in the drive way. But things have changed a little bit…
Today, the dream is to own a business. To be an entrepreneur.
It’s a really interesting culture shift when you think about it, sure many people still value what was previously “the dream”, but the idea of not fitting into the corporate mold and instead being your own free agent is much more enticing than being a modestly paid mid-level executive.
Look at the recently idolized American icons like Steve Jobs, who in his passing was labeled as the Einstein of our time (I don’t think that’s far off either in my opinion). But Steve Jobs was a true entrepreneur in every sense of the word, he started several wildly successful ventures and did his biggest act twice.
Being an entrepreneur isn’t just about risk taking though, it’s about satisfying the urge to push innovation forward and really change things. Entrepreneurship is quickly becoming one of America’s favorite past-times because the dream of starting something from nothing in your proverbial garage and turning it into a billion dollar business lights a fire in the soul of so many young aspiring minds.
It is important to note however, that for many it’s not just the money or the fame of being an innovator that drives them to do what they do. Entrepreneurs get into it because they truly think they can change the world – they don’t accept the status quo. Entrepreneurs exist to solve problems both known and foreign to the consumer population.
Ignoring the word “NO”
It’s likely that you know at least one entrepreneur in your life, and they have probably appeared hardheaded at times when they just won’t take no for an answer on anything. It’s not that they are pushy, but that they imagine things in a different way than everyone else. They have a vision of what COULD be, instead of what is.
An interesting example for this way of thinking comes again from Steve Jobs in his insistence to not do market research. He would famously say “I don’t ask people what they want, because I haven’t created it yet.” Unfortunately for many people who work a 9-to-5 job that they hate, even if they re-imagine how things could be they seem to always fall short of taking action.
What’s stopping you?
If you are reading this post or this blog, chances are good that you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are either deep intro entrepreneurship now, or would like to be.
So I pose two questions, one to each type:
1. If you ARE an entrepreneur, what’s stopping you from having the breakaway success and bringing your imagination to reality? There are people like me all over the place that would love to help you.
2. If you WANT to be involved with entrepreneurship, why haven’t you started? Do you blame not having enough time but watch TV? Resources and money but you buy Starbucks?
Life is your canvas, we are all waiting.
