Entrepreneurs often say that they are driven by their dreams, but deep down a second factor is motivating them. They are in control of pursuing their dreams. They’re not waiting for permission or hoping for a positive job review dependent on another person’s opinion.
Control Issues Are Good
Maintaining control of your work and future creates substantial motivation. Recent research found at the American Psychological Association highlights the influence that control has on a person’s well-being. Even though the study examined employees and not entrepreneurs, the findings revealed the value of control.
- The ability to make decisions about your work increases productivity even with demanding workloads.
- Your personal autonomy at work boosts your health, morale, and motivation.
The opportunity to create a destiny, establish financial success, meet a need in the marketplace, and be an example to others can urge you to relentless action. Entrepreneurs are known for putting in long hours, sometimes ridiculously long hours that cause others to question their sanity, but you’re likely experiencing freedom and excitement throughout those long days.
Being Yourself
One of the most valuable benefits of being an entrepreneur is the freedom to be yourself. At the Think Creative Collective blog, the author placed living according to her personal identify high on the list of positive aspects of entrepreneurship. As your own boss, you won’t have to:
- Observe a dress code
- Commit your time to another organization’s vision
- Hold back your opinions
- Waste time on unprofitable customers
Of course, you might need to monitor your behavior for the sake of making a deal or pleasing a customer, but you’ll be doing it on your terms for your reasons.
Set Your Own Schedule
When you’re working 80 hours a week, it might seem like your schedule is utterly inflexible. The reality, however, is much different. The benefits of being an entrepreneur include being able to work through the night and get a project done instead of having to stop and come back later, like when you work for another person.
As the person in charge of your time, you’ll enjoy the power to:
- Take a break when you need one
- Respond to emergencies
- Care for sick children without looking bad
- Follow your inspiration when it strikes
Perhaps the greatest bonus will be that you won’t be stuck in any interminable meetings dictated by a distant corporate agenda.
Invest in Yourself
All of your long hours could result in a big payoff someday. You’re developing ideas that could create substantial wealth in the future. Yes, you’ll take risks and sometimes suffer losses in the short term, but with the right business strategy, you’ll reap the profits of your labors.
Contrast this possibility to the painful realities of employment. Your efforts at a job involve risk as well. As an employee instead of an entrepreneur, your risks include:
- Downsizing
- Employer goes out of business
- Someone else gets the promotion
As an entrepreneur, you’ll avoid having your career prospects undermined by external forces beyond your control. Problems will still abound. From bad weather to lawsuits, you’ll face challenges, but you’ll be the one at the helm steering through rough seas, and no one is going to decide to throw you overboard to lighten the load.
Obsess for Success
Shark Tank investor Lori Greiner sums up the durable spirit of entrepreneurship well. She said that to succeed, you’ll need to do whatever it takes to accomplish your goals. She has created over 500 products and owns 120 patents. Her commitment to building personal value has led to continuous rewards.
Once your business becomes your obsession, you’ll find that long hours don’t feel nearly as long as a shorter day working for someone else. Your work will feel like your life. You’ll be doing what you want to do with your time, even if it is work. Your efforts will feel fulfilling because:
- You’re pursuing your ideas
- The rewards of success go to you
- You’re learning new things every day
All business owners will tell you that if they started out knowing what they learned years later that they would have succeeded much faster. The lesson here is that you should always be ready to learn and adjust your course around obstacles. In addition, you need great strategy and planing to minimize mistakes that could cost you tons of time and money. That’s why it is important to have a business mentor that can help navigate you through the treacherous waters of uncertainty.
Being your own boss is a journey. On that journey, you’ll expand your network in ways that might not have happened otherwise. From building relationships with clients to developing skills you never knew existed, you’ll be living to your fullest potential.
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Obviously, there are no guarantees of success; however, if you do the above, your chances for success are improved.
If you are considering launching a business or growing your ongoing company, check out Dear Mr. A for creating a strategy around your passions. The Next Level Navigator strategy process is a great crowdfunding tool! Click here to look inside Dear Mr. A.
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