I am inspired daily by other entrepreneurs that have created success, and study these successful people on a regular basis. There is so much to learn from others that we can implement into our own path towards success as an entrepreneur. Here is a simple success tip from Richard Branson – Never let an opportunity pass you by
I do my best to live into those words every day in my business life as an entrepreneur. It is something that I have learned to do, it didn’t come naturally to me back 30 years ago when I became an entrepreneur. I was shy, timid and did not have confidence in making powerful, bold decisions. I have learned that one of the best ways to learn is to start something new and be forced to find solutions. It is empowering and confidence building to figure things out and find those solutions. It prepares you to take on bigger things going forward, builds your knowledge, and your confidence.
We don’t have to have all the answers before attempting something new. As a matter of fact, we can gather the basic knowledge we need, and very often it is that fresh perspective that allows us to excel quickly at something new because we don’t have any pre-conceived limitations in our minds of what is possible.
We can see things that need to be done and put in place, and create solutions. When we are starting something new, we have a fresh energy and unlimited enthusiasm that gives us the drive and ideas that often are missing when you become complacent.
Going back to Richard Branson’s quote – Never let an opportunity pass you by – When an opportunity is presented to you, don’t allow yourself to buy your own excuses.
The timing isn’t right – There is never a “perfect” time to do anything in life really. Buying a new car is a good example. How many people buy a new car at a time that just isn’t right? The old one conks out and you are forced to buy a new one to get to work, and do all the things you need your vehicle for. We are conditioned to do what it takes in these type of situations…many take out a loan if necessary to put a new vehicle on the road and don’t give it a second thought. People wouldn’t consider being without a car if their old one stops working, even if the timing isn’t right. To create success as an entrepreneur, we need to have that same mindset, and never let an opportunity pass you by…find a way where there appears to be no way.
What would you do if you had just started a business and the opportunity to expand came up? Do you take it, or use the excuse the timing isn’t right yet. People often believe that success has to take a long time. Success can indeed happen quickly for those that don’t put the brakes on, and keep making bold powerful decisions when opportunity presents itself.
I don’t have the ______ (money, time, etc.). If something is important enough to you, you will solve the money or time or whatever other excuse you are selling yourself. Figure it out….ask yourself what you would do if your life depended on it. It is amazing how creative you can get. Obviously, this has to be ethical, within the law, etc.
I don’t know how to ________. There are always things we don’t know how to do. Don’t be afraid to learn and understand you absolutely CAN learn anything you want to. The desire has to outweigh the excuse you are attempting to sell yourself. This is where personal growth lies. Today the resources online are endless. There is nothing we can’t learn if we are self motivated.
I need security – We all have a choice to work hard for “perceived” security, or, take a bold move with new opportunities that come up to be the CREATOR of your own security. This is taking personal responsibility for your results. The only true security that exists today is the willingness to create your own security. Work as hard for YOURSELF as you would for an employer and watch how your life changes in a positive direction.
Challenges – There will be challenges in anything we do that is worthwhile. It is simply part of the process. Stop telling yourself there are too many challenges in creating success as an entrepreneur. There are challenges with everything! It is part of life. Decide whether you want to put up with challenges to live a mediocre life working as an employee being unfufilled in your work, or if you are going to be the person that creates your life on purpose, on your terms, pushing through the challenges. Don’t wish it were “easier”…commit to being the best you can be and you will find you can handle things you never dreamed you could.
Unknown – We all have the choice to step out of our own personal comfort zones to do something new or unknown. Is it scary? Yes, many times it is. A better question to ask yourself would be “Is is worth it and how can I grow?
What if I fail? WHAT IF YOU SUCCEED? Ask yourself better questions! How could this change your life in a positive direction?
I learned recently of a local food chain that is expanding in our area. The franchise owner has gone from a very small space to a new space about 4-5 times the size, and is launching a new concept in the franchise (the first of it’s kind in the country). Is it the “right time”. Some may say no, it hasn’t been proven. This owner obviously recognizes Richard Bransons words Never let an opportunity pass you by, and sees this as a huge opportunity to pioneer something great. We all have a choice when given opportunities like this, to either “be the first” or needing proof. Successful entrepreneurs make the decision and don’t let opportunity pass them by.
Another food chain that closed in our community has reopened and they don’t yet have their staff in order. Do they wait until that perfect time to hire all the “right” people, or, do they jump in and get things going trusting they will attract the right people? Those that wait tend to never get anything off the ground. Those that jump in, may have to work harder initially, but tend to be the people that create long term success.
Those that embrace opportunity create results that others only dream about. We all have a choice to be the person that actually lives into their true human potential, or wastes it. Some helpful words that I live my life by are: We have potential for a reason…to live into it…..
