Is It Worth It?

Many people start down the path of entrepreneurship, but only a few are successful at fully realizing their vision and other aspirations. Entrepreneurs are driven by the chance to make an impact, to learn, to prove something to themselves or others, or to make money. All entrepreneurs have a unique definition of success and a list of expectations for themselves and others.

Successful entrepreneurs have a vision, understand whom they serve, understand the vision's place in the ecosystem, and give purpose to the organization they build. They must throw themselves wholeheartedly into realizing their vision and must be comfortable with risk, uncertainty, and ambiguity; must be good listeners and learners and strong communicators; and must be adaptable and flexible and pragmatic problem solvers. The necessary experience and skills can be developed on the job and by learning from others.

Even though entrepreneurs can control and influence many things, a certain amount of good luck is also required to be successful. One cannot underestimate the importance of being at the right place at the right time or meeting the right person. An entrepreneur's days can be long, stressful, and tiring, but they can also be exhilarating and joyful. The team building and the shared struggle of trying to realize a vision can be intense and satisfying. The potential rewards can be huge.

Entrepreneurship is a unique and privileged opportunity to pursue a vision. Even though the challenges are daunting at times, true entrepreneurs would say that their experience, whether or not they were successful, was worth it, and in fact it would be hard for them to imagine having done anything else in their lives.