It’s official. I’ve made the move out of corporate America to pursue a business of my own.

So as of today, I am back where I belong, in control of my own destiny. I have to say it feels good.

I love being an entrepreneur!

There is an amazing sense of empowerment when faced with the day-to-day management of our own future. It’s nothing short of total and complete awesomeness!

So why be an entrepreneur?

Believe it or not, you might already be one and not even know it. Whether you are an author, photographer, speaker or real estate professional, you are an entrepreneur.

But have you totally embraced your dream? If not, I encourage you to take a hard look at the benefits and weigh them against what you are “giving up” (contentment, happiness, time) to stay where you are today.

Maybe, just maybe, it is time to take the leap!

Why Being an Entrepreneur ROCKS

  1. You Get to Follow Your Passion

Entrepreneurship presents you with the opportunity to do something you are passionate about. Are you a crafter, blogger or software developer? Turn that passion into profit!

Determine what makes your product, system or tool unique, research your competition, define your differentiating factors, and determine how you can turn that hobby into a lucrative business.

Confucius said…

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

So true!

  2. Entrepreneurs Make the Impossible, Possible

Do names such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates ring a bell to you? They are among the most successful entrepreneurs of our era.

While anyone would love to be in their shoes, the thought of starting and running a business can be scary, but there is a lot to gain. Think about what would be missing from our lives if it weren’t for their advances in technology. They truly made the seemingly impossible, possible.

As an entrepreneur, you have the same opportunity. Not only do you have the chance to contribute in a way no other before you thought possible, but you bring a fresh perspective with a new vision and appreciation for the passion you choose to follow.

  3. Independence and Calling the Shots

Being an entrepreneur means long hours and hard work at the beginning. You are sowing what you wish to reap.

The good news? Commit to taking the required steps to make your business a success and life down the road will become much easier.

There is nothing like calling your own shots. Do the hard work up-front, so you can live life by your rules in the coming years.

  4. Dream Big, Play BIG

When you close your eyes and dream, what do you see? As an entrepreneur, you control that dream. You have the ability to go as big and bold as you want to each and every day.

Every decision you make and action you take determines how close or far away you get to achieving your dreams. It’s up to you to find or create opportunities that will push your forward and enable you to turn your dreams into reality. 

Of course the road to entrepreneurial success won’t be without its challenges. Believe in your dream, write it down and read it back to yourself every day. Staying focused on why you took this big step will add the fuel to your fire on the days you feel less than enthusiastic about your business.

  5. Freedom to Choose

“Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” ― William Jennings Bryan

As an entrepreneur, you have the freedom to choose which path you take. You choose who you will do business with and who you will align with. Do not sell yourself short.

Believing in who you are and the abilities you bring to the table has a miraculous effect on your state-of-mind and business health. Get clear on who you are and then make the choice to put those uniquely wonderful talents to work day in and day out.

  6. High Income Potential

Ok, so maybe not immediately, but the opportunity is there.

As an entrepreneur, your income directly relates to the efforts you put into the business, especially when they are well-thought out, planned, and focused. The bottom line? The more effort you put into your business, the greater your rewards will be. 

Unlike the job market where your salary is determined by so many factors, as entrepreneur, no one except yourself and market forces can define your income. Of course the market or your industry can be harder on you than your worst boss, but if you pay close attention you can make well-informed decisions accordingly.

  7. The Excitement of Learning a New Thing Every day

As an entrepreneur, you will assume numerous roles, some more exciting than others.

You will wear multiple hats and juggle what feels like a ridiculous amount of responsibilities. Take a deep breath and realize that learning these roles and responsibilities is all a part of your entrepreneurial journey.

Look forward to these growth moments; they are truly life changing.

  8. Design a Life You Love

Your life as an entrepreneur probably won’t be glamorous, but it will be yours. Meaning, you control the days and hours you choose to work.

You decide when to meet potential clients, work on projects, watch a soccer game, or spend time with family.

Running your own business offers more flexibility, but it does come with a price. In order to design the life you love, you must be focused, determined, brave and willing to take risks.  

  9. You Get to Be the Boss

This might be the single best reason for most when it comes to entrepreneurship. Who wouldn’t want to be his or her own boss? It just feels good!

It also requires a strong commitment to your goals and the steps you must take to achieve them. After all, you are the boss. No one is holding your feet to the fire.

Stay focused on your vision, your mission and the exact reason you became an entrepreneur. Be an agent of change. Be brave, be bold, and ROCK on!