What Does It Mean to Be an Entrepreneur?

So, you want to start your own thing?

Entrepreneurship is a word that conjures up images of freedom, innovation, success, and influence. It's often seen as the ultimate expression of personal and professional autonomy, a way to create something from nothing, bring your ideas to life, and be your own boss. But what does it actually mean to be an entrepreneur? Is it the glamorous, high-flying lifestyle that we see on social media sometimes, or is there something deeper, more complex, and, at times, more challenging beneath the surface?

Entrepreneurship: The Rollercoaster Ride

A friend once said, “Entrepreneurship is constantly getting hit in the face and then getting up the next morning to do it all again – because, at the end of the day, you realize you like the taste of your own blood.”. Initially, this quote made me laugh, but the more I reflected (and lived the start-up life), I realized that this quote perfectly encapsulates the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship. The journey is filled with highs and lows, moments of exhilarating success followed by inevitable challenges and setbacks. It's not just about the victories—it's about how you handle the defeats, the unexpected turns, and the seemingly unending resilience required to keep moving forward.

When you're an entrepreneur, you're constantly juggling multiple roles—leader, strategist, marketer, salesperson, and sometimes even customer service representative. Each day brings new challenges, and the stakes often feel outrageously high because your business is more than just a job; it reflects your vision, hard work, and dreams.

The Pivot: Adaptability as a Core Skill

One of the defining characteristics of successful entrepreneurs is their ability to pivot. In an ever-changing world, adapting and shifting direction when necessary is crucial. No business plan survives first contact with execution, and what works today may not work tomorrow.

Entrepreneurs must be willing to change course when encountering obstacles or seeing a new opportunity that wasn’t part of the original plan. This isn’t about abandoning your vision but finding new ways to achieve it. The willingness to pivot can be the difference between success and failure, as it allows you to stay relevant and responsive to the needs of your customers and the market.

Think about companies like Netflix, which started as a DVD rental service and pivoted to become the streaming giant we know today. Or Slack, which began as an internal communication tool for a gaming company before pivoting to become the go-to platform for team collaboration worldwide. These businesses thrived because their founders were willing to embrace change and see potential in new areas. 

Work/Life Blur: The Reality

For entrepreneurs, work and life are inevitably intertwined to the point where separating is almost impossible. Unlike a traditional 9-to-5 job, where you can clock out at the end of the day, entrepreneurship is a way of life. It permeates every aspect of your day; from when you wake up to when you finally call it a night. 

This blur between work and life can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it allows you to fully immerse yourself in what you are doing, to build something that genuinely reflects who you are. On the other hand, it can make it challenging to step back, take a break, and maintain some semblance of a work-life balance.

As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to recognize this and find ways to create boundaries, even if they are flexible. Whether setting aside time for family, hobbies, or simply for yourself, finding that balance is crucial to avoiding burnout and supporting long-term success. 

Entrepreneurship: A Way of Life

Entrepreneurship isn’t just a career choice; it’s a mindset and a way of life. It requires a fundamental belief in your vision and the determination to see it through, no matter the obstacles. It’s about taking risks, learning from failures, and constantly seeking opportunities to grow and improve.

Perhaps most importantly, entrepreneurship is about resilience. It’s about getting back up after every setback, pushing through challenges, and finding the strength to continue when others might give up. It’s not for everyone—it’s not easy—but entrepreneurship offers a unique and rewarding journey for those who embark on it.

Entrepreneurship & Me

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve experienced all these elements firsthand. Some days are exhilarating—celebrating unexpected wins and building a rockstar team—while others are sprinkled with tears, curse words, and endless utterances of “Seriously?! " Each step has been a learning experience filled with triumphs and challenges.

Through it all, I’ve come to realize that entrepreneurship is about more than just building a business. It’s about creating something meaningful, something that has the potential to make a difference. It’s getting sucker punched in one minute and standing up with a smile (and at times a “Is that the best you’ve got?!”) the next.

Food for thought: What drives you to pursue entrepreneurship and keeps you going through all the ups and downs?

If you’re ready to turn your idea into a purpose-driven business, I’d love to help. At Pharo Consulting, we work with entrepreneurs to develop strategies that go beyond the basics and create lasting impact. Let’s connect and start building something meaningful!