Being an entrepreneur is extremely demanding and takes a very specific type of person. Do you have what it takes? This article will discuss how to become an entrepreneur by focusing on ten of the most critical skills and behaviors you’ll need to master. In the process, you’ll grow more than you ever thought possible and discover surprising things about yourself. Can you make it in the entrepreneurial world? Here’s what you need to work on.

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YOUR EGO

Successful entrepreneurs must remember that they aren’t the center of the world. No one is truly successful without help. Ego can be a powerful driver, pushing us past our limitations through raw ambition, but it can also crowd others out. It’s important to share the spotlight, and give others the credit they’re due.  

 Entrepreneurs can sometimes fall into the control trap. They let arrogance take root and assume that no one is as capable as they are to run their company. This can scare away talent and erode morale. It’s better to check your ego at the door, accept that you’re wrong sometimes, and listen to other people’s perspectives.

YOUR THOUGHTS

Your thoughts have the power to define new realities and reset what’s possible in the world. But they can sabotage you just as easily. Entrepreneurs that aren’t careful can become mired in self-doubt, or caught up in small problems while losing focus on the grander vision. Mastering your thoughts allows you to direct your attention where it can do the most good.

YOUR PAST MISTAKES

Mistakes, even big ones, happen from time to time. You can’t beat yourself up about them. As long as you take your knocks and learn from them, your past mistakes become opportunities for improvement. When you dwell on mistakes you’re focusing on the past. Your mind is stuck one what was, obscuring the realities of right now. You need to learn from your mistakes, and then leave the past in the past and move ever forward.

YOUR TIME

If you’re like most busy entrepreneurs, there are a limited number of hours in the day and a nearly unlimited number of demands on your time. Long term, this is a recipe for burnout and failure. To be as productive as possible, it’s good to schedule your day into blocks, including times when you can be interrupted and times when your schedule is your own.  

 Commit to removing distractions when it’s time to focus, allowing yourself breaks to catch up on happenings outside of your bubble. If you don’t control your schedule, others will do it for you, to your detriment.

YOUR FINANCES

Running a successful business involves a delicate balance between expenses and income, cash flow, credit, payroll, insurance, and any number of other financial considerations. If you’re not familiar with basic bookkeeping practices, common financial reports, invoicing practices, regulatory requirements, and tax considerations, your business finances could quickly spiral into dangerous territory. Eventually, you can hire bookkeepers and accountants. But until then, you need to know what you’re doing.

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YOUR SELF-AWARENESS

Self-awareness involves knowing the sort of person you are, what drives you, and where your strengths and weaknesses lie. It’s an important skill for entrepreneurs because if you don’t know yourself well you won’t be ready for the challenges that will face you.  

 The process of entrepreneurial self-discovery starts with a simple question — do I have what it takes? Are you ready for the long hours, the painful decisions, and the responsibility you’ll be shouldering? Do you have a vision for your endeavor or are you flying blind? How can you apply your strengths for maximum impact while finding the right people to fill in for your weak spots? 

 These are the sorts of questions you’ll need to ask yourself. The more you can learn about what makes you tick and what drives you, the better prepared you’ll be for the road ahead.

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YOUR CONFIDENCE

A true entrepreneur doesn’t have to ask themselves how to become an entrepreneur — they already are one. Starting a company doesn’t make you an entrepreneur — entrepreneurs start companies. It’s important to have confidence in your position. You need to recognize your abilities and apply them with purpose. 

 Outside of dumb luck, it’s much easier to be successful if you believe fervently that you can be. Confidence will empower your decisions, build your leadership abilities, and inspire your team to greatness. Because when you believe in yourself and your team they begin to believe in themselves, too.

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YOUR DISCIPLINE

Entrepreneurship is rarely easy. By its nature, the process is fraught with risk, demanding schedules, and constant challenges. In order to survive, and thrive, you need to be disciplined. You must be able to stay focused when everything around you is in disarray. You have to be willing to work hard when required, even if it’s uncomfortable. Because no one is going to hand you success. If you want it, you have to put in the work, and you have to do it consistently until it pays off.

YOUR CIRCLE

To be successful you need to surround yourself with successful people. These are people that have been where you are now and can offer you guidance and encouragement. They know the challenges you’ll face and can steer you away from poor decisions. 

 You also need to hire the best people. Part of the reason self-awareness is important is because it helps you hire the right people to bolster your existing skillset. The more qualified your employees, the better positioned your organization will be to take advantage of opportunities.  

 An entrepreneur’s time is limited. You can’t afford to spend it on endeavors that don’t help move the needle. Work to develop a circle of contacts that help you to improve.

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YOUR IMAGE

They say you only get one chance to make a first impression. Like it or not, the way people perceive us can have meaningful and lasting repercussions. If you want people to take you seriously, you first have to take yourself seriously. 

 That means projecting confidence, decisiveness, and wisdom. It means dressing the part of a leader and carrying yourself with purpose and determination. You need to understand the nuances of complicated social situations and know how to handle yourself. Your goals should drive your image, developing you into the sort of person that can, and will, achieve great things.