Do You Have What It Takes

Have you ever questioned why some people are successful while others are barely making ends meet?  What makes them different, are they smarter or more charming? The obvious answer is no. When these people read others’ success stories they didn’t think to themselves “Wow, lucky person”. No, they thought to themselves “Wow, I’ll be next”. You see, wealth must happen in our mind before it can happen in our bank account. If you’re looking to get into the “business world”, beware – it is going to be the hardest thing you ever do in your entire life. However, it will also be the most rewarding thing you do in your entire life. We are living in the Information Age, where the internet, social media and mobile computing allow anyone, anywhere, to run a business all from a smart phone. So why is it that some people just don’t make the cut to be an “entrepreneur”, in a time with so much technology and opportunity? Proceed at your own discretion.

Growing up, most of us are signed up for the “go to college, get a job, work hard and save money plan” by default because that’s what our parents did. Over time we develop an “employee” way of thinking. Is this bad? No, but having an employee mindset while trying to build an enterprise is fatal. If you’ve decided to launch your own business, discard the employee mindset immediately.

• Stop expecting maximum results for minimum effort.
• Stop expecting to see a return on investment every two weeks.
• Stop expecting for people to come pat you on the back for every minor success that you hit.
• Forget about two weeks of vacation, holidays, and corporate happy hours.

Develop a ridiculous, sickening work ethic. That means doing the things you need to do even when you don’t feel like doing them, and then some. That’s it, end of story. Excuses are non-existent in the business world. You have to be willing to give up excuses, free time, sleep, and friends. Yes, friends.

Sounds a bit harsh? Well, this is the harsh reality. Most people don’t make it in life because they listen to a friend or family member who is worse off than them and take their financial advice. I have found this to be the most difficult step for most people and that is to cut off meaningless relationships and most importantly, toxic relationships. You have to understand that you are building a brand. You are going to be running on E most days. You are racing the clock! You cannot agree to every engagement that comes your way. Learn to say NO.

You need to separate yourself from people who do not share your vision, your passion and your dreams. Initially, it may not seem crucial, but just like water seeks its own level, we become the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with. Stop associating with people who drain your energy, who do not have goals and who do not have vision for their future. Stop associating with people who are comfortable with their current situation and refuse to grow. If you cannot get beyond this step you will never reap the rewards of your efforts.  You cannot do the same old things with the same old people and expect different results. Entrepreneurship is going to force you to undergo constant metamorphosis. That means you are going to have to change your mindset, shift your thinking and always be willing to adapt. One of the best ways to change your mindset is through publication materials you read and the company you keep. If you are unsure of where to start, I would like to share a few of the books that I read in my early days of business:

• The Compound Effect
• Think & Grow Rich
• The Magic of Thinking Big
• Personality Plus
• How to Win Friends and Influence People (in the Digital Age)
• Rich Dad Poor Dad

Secondly, find ways to network with like-minded people! There are many clubs either on campus (if you’re a student) or in your local area. Search for start-up and investment meetups where you can go to learn from successful people who have done what you are striving to accomplish. Find someone who is willing to mentor you and willing to show you how to successfully launch a business with longevity and profitability. Be transparent and allow this person to mold you, transform you and work in your life, not just your business. At the end of the day, whatever is going on in your life inevitably affects your business. It may cost you, but success is an investment in yourself. Essentially, you are paying for years of experience downloaded to you without you having to actually go through the mistakes yourself. That is powerful!

If I can leave you with one key message, let it be this: Don’t let anything stop you from chasing your dreams. Not fear, not finances, not experience, time, nothing. We have one life to live and it goes by in a flash! Don’t just be another average person in this world. Make a difference – an impact. Leave a legacy behind that will affect generations to come. Stop waiting for the perfect moment because it will never come. Whatever it is that has been on your mind just make the decision to go for it and don’t give up until you succeed. It will be painful, it will be challenging, you will cry and feel like quitting multiple times, but when you reach the pinnacle of success it will all be worth it to be able to say “I did it”. Always remember, where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18, KJV).

© 2016 – 2017, Jessica Silva. All rights reserved.