Is there anything that personifies America & Capitalism more than owning your own business?
It is the epitome of the American Dream. Yet so many people dream of it, so few will pursue it. I bet the % of people that become entrepreneurs dwindle as people get more established in their careers. Here’s a few reasons that could drive the in-action:
Lifestyle is really OK!: Paycheck, benefits & perks that may be growing and there are plenty of future demands on the way (college for kids, retirement).
I like my job!: Great people, a culture that’s strong, rewarding results that you help drive. It’s comfortable by golly and I love what I do!
Overall state of predictability. You know in 6 months, if you continue to work hard and generate results, your job will likely be there and things will be a bit better overall. Nice steady improvement.
I’ve focused on 1-3 myself, and they are all nice benefits.
Stay put, and do NOT pursue your Entrepreneurial dreams IF:
Not doing so will produce the future you desire
Not doing so will not yield one of life’s biggest regrets:
Never Taking That One Big Shot
People can have a “dream” to own their own business all they want. But until they envision conflict with #1 & #2 and if their current job will yield what they want, they probably won’t take action to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
There comes a time when regret or wanting a brighter future won’t be attained by “doing nothing.” When that happens, inertia gets agitated and massive action begins.*
*Warning Sign: I’ve witnessed people “lower the bar” on a future that is desired, dialing back expectations that can be met with the classic 9-5. Chances are, if you follow a blog called “Hustle or Bust.” that is not an option, but I have witnessed this. Let’s call it a “Hustle cheat.”
What’s instructive is asking WHY those reasons for IN-action exist? Force yourself to give 1 word that explains why you won’t take that leap:
Risk?
Uncertainty?
Un-knowns?
Insecurities?
Capabilities?
All valid concerns, fear-based adjectives. They are real and powerful motivators for in-action that can’t be denied.
If you’ve gone through your acid test test and your scales have tipped towards PURSUING your entrepreneurial dreams, CONGRATS! Now you’ve entered the stage where you need to figure out the how’s…..and build a roadmap against a solid understanding of the process.
What’s first needed to create action is often just a recognition that the scales have tipped in one direction. Once you recognize they’ve tipped, the rest becomes about learning, planning and execution. But the scales need to tip first. Be honest with yourself and start weighing the scales.
Stay tuned for what that the entrepreneurial process looks like in months ahead.
Make it a great day & I look forward to your comments on “Life’s Decision Scale!”