Written by: Alizé Utteryn, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many of us to reassess our relationships with work and aspire to make a career change. At a time when 1 in 5 Americans want to leave their jobs to start a business looking for more flexibility, the question remains: Are they ready to become an entrepreneur and face the lifestyle? I always thought that entrepreneurship is not for everyone because it is far from being a quiet river; it's even very challenging. You need to have the mindset to endure all hardships. In fact, the life of an entrepreneur is a roller coaster. Being a successful entrepreneur myself today after more than 10 years, I can tell you I learned the hard way. I am living proof of the definition of a brave entrepreneur with an unlimited desire.
As we begin this adventure of discovery, if you are ready to embark on the entrepreneurship journey, let’s start by understanding the meaning of being an entrepreneur and what it takes to become one.
What is an entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur is a risk-taker, a visionary, and an inventor. They have an intense need to innovate, question the status quo, and create their own way. An entrepreneur will see possibilities where others see difficulties and dare to make their dreams a reality. The entrepreneur is an architect of change. They thrive in uncertainty, enjoying the excitement of stepping into unknown waters. They have a stubborn pursuit of achievement and the belief that they can make a difference in the world. An entrepreneur's life can shift between excitement, stress, exhilaration, and multitasking. The challenging life of an entrepreneur Becoming an entrepreneur is more than having ideas and ambition; it all comes down to taking action. Entrepreneurs are doers, willing to take calculated risks, push themselves beyond their comfort zones, and persevere in the face of difficulties. Failure is not a setback for the entrepreneur; it is an opportunity for growth and learning. As far as I am concerned, my failures were my best assets and blessings for success. Like Nietzsche famously said, "suffering is the greatest blessing". This statement boils down to the surprising benefit of embracing suffering to achieve success: No pain, no gain! No other choice to succeed. As an example, I quit my job 10 years ago, where I was being taken advantage of and exploited by my boss. Back in those days, what I felt to be a big failure turned into a true revelation. When I walked out, I had no job waiting for me, very little money. It was the complete unknown; I had no clue about the future. But guess what? That was the best decision I have ever made. I had no other choice to survive and make it happen. Because of my boss’s negative behavior, he brought the best out of me while surpassing my own expectations. At that critical time, all I knew was I had no money to pay my rents and bills. There was no trail, especially in New York, which is a tough city to live in. You do it or not. That was the day in adversity I became an entrepreneur and found a way of doing something I am passionate about and love. That marked the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey as CEO of AlizéLaVie, how I overcame it all, and turned obstacles into real opportunities. I have no regrets and never had to look back. Without family and friends in America, I struggled and had to buckle down. Yet, despite tears, loneliness, painful sacrifices, loss of money, betrayal, I was able to get back on my feet proudly, head up as I always do. But I would say passion is truly what kept me driven to pursue my goals and prevent me from giving up. Indeed passion is essential in the world of entrepreneurship. An entrepreneur gets motivation by a great love of ideas, businesses, and the impact they may have. This desire drives them ahead, despite long hours, sleepless nights, and many challenges.
What to expect as an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship is a journey of self-discovery and ongoing education. It is about taking on new challenges, adjusting to change, and improving one's skills. Successful entrepreneurs often go through a transformative process; a process that changes their attitude, broadens their knowledge, and refines their skills. For some people, the idea of trying something hundreds or thousands of times — only to be met with defeat every single time — might sound like a tremendously discouraging proposition. But as an entrepreneur, the truth is that your life will probably feel mournfully similar to this on a daily basis. And even if you don’t feel this way for at least a few hours every day, odds are good that you will still feel it at least some of the time. Life for an entrepreneur is nothing if not a wild roller coaster of ups and downs. But, this is also normal. Imagining that it’s going to be anything different is quite unrealistic, especially in the formative years of your business.
Can you become an entrepreneur?
It's a question that draws the interest and curiosity of many possible future business owners. The good news is that becoming an entrepreneur is not an exclusive club only for a select few. YES, YOU CAN. It is a journey that anybody can begin, ready to learn and grow.
Entrepreneurial talents may be learned, polished, and developed. Some people are born with certain traits like creativity, resilience, or a natural ability to detect opportunities. But you can learn many of those skills via education, experience, and a dedication to personal development. In the end, whether an entrepreneur is born or made may not be the most important question. What is important is the extraordinary individuals' ongoing desire, passion, and tireless efforts to achieve excellence. Entrepreneurs set themselves apart by their ability to seize opportunities, overcome difficulties, and make a real difference.
It’s important to remember your original purpose. A lot of positivity gets thrown around these days. People say things like, “Sky is the limit,” and, “Believe in yourself.” Well, these are good things to say. And sometimes, we can jump onto these ideas and ride them out to incredibly emotional high points. But that’s not the full story, either. There will surely be days on your journey when you feel like quitting. Business owners shoulder an enormous burden of responsibility. Every successful entrepreneur faces those days where they just want to hang their head in defeat and contemplate giving up. ‘Why did you start this journey?’ In such moments, this is an important question to ask yourself.
It’s worth it in the end. Definitely being an entrepreneur can be challenging. But despite the dreariness, despair, and discouragement that can oftentimes descend upon you as you seek to navigate the incredible challenges associated with running your own company — there’s also a great purpose behind what you’re doing. And if you remind yourself that this is all for a good reason and that it’ll be worth it in the end, well, you’re actually closer to unveiling the path to greater success than you might have realized. Because that is exactly the kind of mindset required to stay the course and achieve your goals. The backbone of true business success is made up of hard work and a willingness to endure the ups, downs, and growing pains of entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.” The fact of the matter is that you start this journey for a reason. It can be painful at times, but it’s also glorious and full of purpose. And in the end, I think it’s absolutely worth it. My entrepreneurial journey remains the most rewarding experience in my life ever. And guess what? If I had to start it again, I would do it without hesitation! I had many doubts at some point in my life because my path wasn’t easy, but I have never given up. My faith, perseverance, and courage enabled me to continue to chase my dreams, live and enjoy my life with a smile.
Despite ordeals, I have never felt so enriched in my life, happy to do what I love and live for, and free to be the master of my own life.
What about you? Are you ready to take up the challenge of becoming an entrepreneur? The choice belongs to you! But remember this: For those who do not try, you will never know. Life is a risk itself; you can only risk your life. And if you don’t risk it, you don't live! If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.
Your life does not get better by chance; it gets better by change. – Jim Rohn
Closing
Finally, I hope you read carefully my valuable advice that resonated with you before taking the leap. So if you’re ready to take your business, your life in hand, and make your dreams come true, welcome on board! As an entrepreneur, you will have to work hard, but if you have passion and motivation, you are heading towards the right direction to pave the way to success. But that is not enough to succeed. Because being an entrepreneur is a state of mind and a lifestyle, you have to figure out the right methods that fit you best.
To your success.
All I can say for those considering taking the entrepreneur challenge is"never lose your taste for peanut butter" and " If you want a guarantee to buy a toaster, don't become an entrepreneur"
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Alizé Utteryn, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Alizé Utteryn is an award-winning serial media entrepreneur, businesswoman, publisher, journalist and international networker based in New York. After a successful professional career as Senior Human Resources executive in France and the Czech Republic, she came in 2009 to the United States... She has since become a leader in Media, Communication and Public Relations. She is the CEO of AlizéLaVie, a global media and marketing company. promoting cultures diversity and talents around the world. Her mission is to empower change, share stories, elevate and inspire... Passionate philanthropic, her leadership and unfailing determination to make a difference in this world are often praised while inspiring others.
