Being an entrepreneur is a journey full of ups and downs, challenges and victories. Yet, the journey is as much an inward exploration as it is about scaling a business or conquering markets. For those who dive deep, a realization dawns: the mindset that fueled one phase of their entrepreneurial journey might not be the same that propels them to the next. As an ecommerce entrepreneur with seven years under my belt running eBike Generation, I sell ebikes for hunters, I had a revelation that brought this truth to the forefront.
From Escape to Embrace
My initial years in the world of entrepreneurship were dominated by a singular drive – to escape poverty. The fear of not succeeding, of returning to financial instability, was a powerful motivator. Every decision, strategy, and late-night hustle was fueled by the desperate need to move away from what I perceived as failure.
And it worked.
Years passed, and the business thrived. Financial stability was no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality. Yet, a new challenge arose. The fiery motivation that once consumed me started to wane. The dread of poverty that once spurred me to action was no longer looming over my shoulder. It led to a few months of struggle, wrestling with declining motivation and productivity.
The paradigm had shifted. The realization was clear: what got me here wouldn’t get me there. The flight from poverty had ended, but the journey of entrepreneurship hadn’t. It was time to change my mindset from running away from fear to running towards a greater purpose.
The Higher Calling
Money, as powerful a motivator as it is, can only take one so far. True, lasting success in entrepreneurship isn’t just about financial gains but about creating an impact, touching lives, and making the world a slightly better place.
Now, my perspective is centered on how my business can serve beyond its commercial objectives. How can it contribute positively to society? Can it promote sustainability? Empower a marginalized community? Elevate an artisanal craft? The answers to these questions are becoming the new driving forces. The goal is no longer just about personal enrichment but societal betterment. Today I help high school kids that are graduating from the very school I went to in Dublin, Ireland. The program I support is a pilot project called The Breakthrough Project. It shows high school youths that there are many opportunities out there and how to attain them. It’s working well and is very fulfilling for me.
The Evolving Mindset of an Entrepreneur
As entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to be cognizant of our internal drives. Recognizing the need to shift one’s mindset is an essential trait for sustained success. For some, the transition might be from financial motivations to altruistic ones, as was the case with me. For others, it might be from seeking validation to fostering innovation.
What’s clear is that a static mindset in a dynamic entrepreneurial environment can be limiting. As we evolve, so should our reasons, our ‘whys’. The beauty of entrepreneurship is not just in building businesses, but in the personal growth and transformation it brings along.
To my fellow entrepreneurs, I say: Embrace the evolution of your mindset. Recognize when your motivations need recalibration. The journey of entrepreneurship is as much about discovering yourself as it is about market discoveries. And as you climb higher, remember that the view is not just about how far you’ve come, but also about how much more good you can do.
In conclusion, the entrepreneurial mindset is a journey of constant evolution. While initial motivations may be rooted in personal gains or fears, as we grow, it’s imperative to find deeper, more meaningful reasons to push forward. In doing so, not only do we ensure the longevity and relevance of our businesses, but we also pave the way for impactful, purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
