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Do you have a feeling you might be an entrepreneur at heart? In "27 Signs You Might Be an Entrepreneur," points out the one thing or several things that make you the perfect small business owner deep down inside – and it's not pretty. Here are the key signs of entrepreneurial grit and what your chances are to become one.
1. One-in-twenty personalities in your head (or multiple ones) always want something from you. They seem to like everything about your personality. Maybe it’s because they're getting good at seeing what else isn't working for you. I know, sometimes I just get stuck into trying to keep up with people who think they can get me. But I've learned that doesn't work. If anything, being liked is one the most important characteristics of being successful in any endeavor, not just entrepreneurship. It shows others how committed you are to your idea. And it encourages action. When a few people see it, they often do, if only because the sign says so! 2. At the very least, you don’t have control over every aspect of yourself, which means there’s no room for error. This one can mean having more self-awareness of why you say certain things – like if someone starts talking smack about you, you might need some time alone to determine your true feelings. Or it could mean taking charge of when you let go of an opportunity to tell someone you’re going to give their project another chance. Either way, the best business owners will accept responsibility for situations (and those situations aren’t all good). 3. The ability to learn without letting external influence and opinions dictate what we’re doing. We all have biases, but it’s our own personal experiences that define us as much as anyone else’s opinion. So when there’s conflict between what I believe and what I have been told, I try my hardest to understand where each person gets it wrong. No amount of effort is worth wasting time on someone who holds the same view as you do! Once you truly stop listening to those who don’t share your values, you’ll find yourself becoming a thinker that never accepts anyone else’s point of view. Which is exactly the kind of thinking we should cultivate! 4. A desire to help and make people happy. Whether you work from home or anywhere where you have to travel, whether it's at school or your job, you want to make other people feel better. Helping a friend, family member, coworker or even a stranger you meet will fill you with happiness and satisfaction. If this sounds like you it probably is – but it isn't necessarily necessary to be considered an entrepreneur. There are plenty of ways you can help a community, including volunteering, fundraising and spreading awareness. 5. Being ready to take risks. Who doesn’t love risk. The thrill of starting a new venture is unmatched. Most entrepreneurs set goals, prepare budgets, strategize – and then… do the damn thing! 6. Having great organizational skills. Sometimes it takes tenacity to stay motivated and focused when the world seems to turn against you, but that doesn't mean staying organized is easy. How we handle information, organize ideas, prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities defines who we are as individuals. As an entrepreneur you need to show initiative and accountability in order to succeed. 7. Starting with nothing – but making it work. This is hard, I know. For years before I found myself sitting down at my computer at Starbucks all day just writing blog posts (I'd lost track of time), I was a completely broke little kid with a lot of ideas about how I wanted to live and how I wanted my life to look. Still, I wasn't sure how I’d become a success. After giving myself a goal – my first book – I got back out there and did what needed to be done to make it happen. 8. Taking on too many projects before you have time to focus on the ones that matter. You're going to run into delays and unexpected hurdles along the way. Then again, so will everyone who knows your name. Don't worry, though – you'll pick them up and start over again right after your initial setbacks are long behind from now. 9. Not being afraid to fail. Everyone has made mistakes in his or her lifetime – that’s an inherent part of every human being, regardless of age or experience. However, failure doesn’t have to paralyze you or wreck your dream. Take the time to identify and acknowledge your weaknesses and strengths – both areas that could pose a problem for your future project. 10. Becoming less selfish. Isolation and loneliness are terrible feelings. Selfishness stems from not caring enough about others, which leads to anger and resentment towards those around you. While not all entrepreneurs are selfish in nature, just because you give the next person more than you get back doesn't mean you're automatically selfish - especially not in your area of expertise and interest. 11. Never ending learning curve. Although some people find it tough to admit they are ever learning something new – especially in the early days of their career, there are many times when it feels as though you're constantly updating and expanding your knowledge of a subject. Remember, learning is a constant process, not a linear one like we usually assume. 12. Surround yourself with positive people and energy. These two ingredients create a healthy environment in general, which includes you. Negative attitudes may affect productivity, but overall it creates a foundation of trust that allows innovation to flourish instead of stifling it. Positive mindsets in particular can also lead to greater confidence and optimism. 15. Seeing obstacles and opportunities as opportunities rather than impediments. Many entrepreneurs believe success requires overcoming challenges and embracing change in order to reach their goals. However, the reality is that growth happens through overcoming obstacles, understanding the importance of vision and following through with plans. 16. Setting clear goals and priorities in advance. What's actually important to your business depends on what your goals and dreams are. Think carefully about what matters in terms of financial resources, personnel, distribution channels and market share before setting your sights on something you can achieve. 17. Putting together an effective team. Successful leaders know their employees are integral to reaching their potential. Invest in your staff, encourage open communication and offer regular development opportunities. 18. Getting rid of negative associations and avoiding toxic people and environments. It may not be easy, especially in comparison to the hardships you face, but remember that your mindset matters more than a single individual. Ask yourself if what you're experiencing at present (whether personally or professionally) is really your reality or if it's simply another version of it that needs fixing! 19. Learning to ask for feedback and critique. Overwhelmed entrepreneurs spend days making decisions based on assumptions that won't always give a complete picture of what they need to hear. Instead, it's beneficial for you to schedule mini brainstorming sessions with clients and peers to help get a better understanding of what's happening at a company. 20. Creating incentives and rewards along the way. Even though it’s tempting to rely solely on money to motivate yourself and keep moving forward, don't forget to celebrate milestones and successes. 21. Developing daily routines to ensure progress is tracked. Keeping track of what’s worked and what hasn't in your project can keep you from wasting time. 22. Determining the biggest problems you have and addressing issues head-on. Some people think they'll solve a problem if it arises, but they rarely realize what causes the issue in the first place. Just because you can solve a big problem in one area doesn't mean it's the end of it for you. Focus on your core business while keeping your eye out for new ventures and opportunities. 23. Finding opportunities for improvement throughout your career. No matter how successful you already are or how far along you are in your current industry, you never truly exhaust all possibilities. Always strive to find ways to improve your skills, adapt to new technologies and methods of delivery and adjust as circumstances require. 24. Thinking outside the box. Creativity is built from finding unique solutions to common problems. With determination and the willingness to push limitations, you'll be able to generate new ideas and implement innovative solutions to existing challenges. 25. Practicing your passion. Passion is a powerful word to describe who you want to become. Whatever the calling, whether it's helping underprivileged children in your city or saving endangered animals in the wild, the purpose of your life is to fulfill that which inspires your passion. 26. Doing the things you care for the most. Sure, there will be some jobs and areas where it's difficult to pursue because you're passionate about them. However, don't let these factors discourage you from pursuing them. Find a balance between your passions and your role in the workplace and you'll find success, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy hobbies and interests! 27. Making sacrifices for your cause. Sometimes sacrificing is easier said than done. But it's something you'll need to do if your organization is growing and you want it to. Set aside a portion of your pay to support your favorite charity until it turns into a profitable institution for society as a whole.