Ever wondered if you’re headed down the right path? Should you embrace being an entrepreneur or completely run from the idea? Learn five reasons you may want to run (or not).

1- Approval from family and friends matters immensely.

Most of us live in a world where educational norms teach us to become employees. If we don’t descend from a line of successful entrepreneurs, we might hear something like this, “You’re aware that 95% of all businesses fail in the first five years, right?” Or “Honey, is this really what you’ve spent all those years in school for?”

Such words can leave anyone feeling unsupported and scratching their head. When we grasp that the world is made up of all kinds of gifted people we can choose to handle these challenges with greater finesse or devise an alternate route where we feel acceptance from our tight-knit circle.

Well-meaning people may not understand the entrepreneur’s quest tend to offer up opinions. So if you’re the type to plod on regardless of social approval, you have the makings of an entrepreneur. Carry on soldier! If not, keep your peace.

2- You want big results, like yesterday.

Big results require building a strong foundation in order to harvest long-term results. It can take time.

Less seasoned entrepreneurs have a learning curve in the game of business. The question is, when the cash isn’t overflowing in the first 3-6 months, will the effort continue? Will skills be mastered so that desired results can happen?

There’s a choice: are we willing to work for smaller rewards up front and postpone greater rewards for later? If so, you fit the bill for being an entrepreneur.

If waiting for something to come to fruition gnaws at your last nerve, ditch the idea of being an entrepreneur. Usually big results take time to generate. If you aren’t willing to put in the time and patience, you aren’t a terrible, no good person. You simply know your limits.

3- You want to accomplish things ALL by yourself.

We all have things we like to do alone. It could be reading a good book, working out, or herding cats. How could I resist? I’m typing, alone and I self-entertain. 😉

When it comes to running a business entrepreneurs need to focus on doing what they do best. It’s downright crazy to build a business for the sake of maintaining control, saving money or “doing it right”.

Having control is an illusion. When growing a successful business it’s best to share the “control” with those who can save you time and sanity. I’m personally gushing with gratitude over my gifted CPA & Web Guru. By not doing it ALL by myself, more things get done! By actually spending money, I save more time. And, as an entrepreneur who relishes time freedom, this is a good thing!

Still hold fast to the thought of “if it’s going to be done right, then I’ll do it myself”? Then please, let go of the idea of being an entrepreneur. There’s a lot of good work that’s begging to be done in the world and it’s probably waiting for you.

4- You want others to do it ALL for you.

Being your own boss can sound glamorous or cool. And, it is most of the time. Just don’t be misled. Business is built on work. There’s no short cut. Successful entrepreneurs take inventory of where they want to go and design their work schedule around reaching this goal.

Naïve or wanna-be entrepreneurs often hold an entitlement attitude. They want results without really placing forth a diligent effort. Sometimes they blame others for their lack of results. In short, it’s victim mentality and it’s not pretty.

Successful entrepreneurs put their heads down and go to work. They don’t whine. They work. They bypass blame and take responsibility.

If you practice responsibility and take action, then being an entrepreneur suits you. If you’re quick to blame, not fond of work, or would rather play victim then run the other direction. Entrepreneurship will greatly disappoint you.

5- You think personal development is for sissies.

Being an entrepreneur can be likened to a salmon swimming upstream. Great entrepreneurs work to become personally resilient, and the strong survive. These entrepreneurs live in flux, flow and find their way by embracing personal development.

In the past month I reached out to several entrepreneurs. I asked if they’d share about the kind of personal development they’re currently engaged in and how it’s contributing to their business game. Here’s a few responses.

“Dance lessons with my wife. It’s teaching me how to be a better leader. Often, my employees anticipate what’s next. I realize I’ve lacked clarity in how I lead. My wife keeps saying she’s willing to follow but the steps are confusing. Who knew having two left feet could provide such a business lesson while also entertaining her?”

“Toastmasters to polish up on my speaking skills and gain more contacts and confidence.”

“I mastermind with 4 others in my field. It’s amazing how quickly we’re growing business via a private online group and weekly call. My sales have doubled in the last quarter. There’s lots of giving and receiving.”

Do you spot the theme connecting all these responses? I see interaction, relationship, self-reflection and application.

Some people still don’t fathom how personal development applies to improving business. I’ve been told “it’s too uncomfortable, too vulnerable or a waste of time.” If this is you, being an entrepreneur probably isn’t your life calling and that’s okay. If you resonate with the concepts of life-long learning, moving through the poo, or continual improvement, then most likely you’ve been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. There is no vaccination. 😉

I’d love to hear from you, where do you think you fit in? Will you be running from or embracing being an entrepreneur? Tell me about it in the comments below.