Those who are fired with an enthusiastic idea and who allow it to take hold and dominate their thoughts find that new worlds open for them.  As long as enthusiasm holds out, so will new opportunities.  — Norman Vincent Peale.

Why do you want to start your own business?  Are you running away from a bad situation with your current employer?  Have you been unemployed for a while and you hope by starting a business you can create income for yourself? Are you burned out with your current career choice and want to do something different with your life?  Do you have a burning desire to start and build a successful business enterprise?  Are you committed to do whatever it takes to be a successful entrepreneur?

There are many, many reasons people give for wanting to start their own business.  However, not all of them are good reasons.  Your motivation for starting a business plays an important role in your ability to succeed.

For example, if your sole motivation for starting your business is to get away from a job you hate, then you really need to think about your choice.  Remember, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.  There is a significant difference in attitude when you are running away from a situation as opposed to running toward an opportunity.  The same is true if you are simply hoping self-employment will create an income stream for you because you’ve been unemployed for awhile and you don’t see any opportunities on the horizon.  You aren’t truly driven toward business ownership, but rather you are pushing yourself into it.

Starting a business requires a huge commitment.  I’ve counseled many people who have lost their jobs and have come to me for advise about starting a business.  It doesn’t take long for me to identify the ones who are only going through the motions.  They don’t have the sparkle in their eye when they talk about their business idea.  It’s as if they are describing someone else’s situation rather than there own.  I can sense if another job opportunity popped up, they’d jump at it in a heartbeat.  In fact, sometimes they’ll go so far as to ask me to keep me to left them know if I hear of any job opportunities that might be a good fit for them.   A true entrepreneur would never ask that question.  No way.

People who start businesses as a Plan B are the ones who are quick to throw in the towel and close up shop.  They don’t have the stamina to stick with their business venture, nurturing it so it grows. Customers and clients can sense the the lackluster commitment which doesn’t foster a great deal of confidence and trust.  No one wants to do business with someone who is going to bail once they see a better deal for themselves.

Successful entrepreneurs are driven individuals who are passionate about their business idea.  They derive energy from the excitement of building something from scratch. They see opportunities all around them and have a strong desire to control their own destiny.  Although initially they may not have all the information they need to get started, that doesn’t deter them.  They have an inherent go-for-it attitude.  Determination and commitment create an insatiable desire to learn, build and grow their business.  It’s not a half-hearted attempt, it becomes their life.  They don’t “hope” it will work out so they’ll give it a try.  They are confident they have what it takes to turn their dream into reality.

So before you make a decision to strike out on your own, question your motivation.  Do you truly want to be self-employed?  Are you sincerely motivated to build a business from the ground up?  If you hesitate when you answer these questions, then should give yourself time for careful consideration.

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