Having a can do attitude in business is perhaps the X factor may entrepreneurs seek; the power of determination to work harder and longer than others, to continue when failure approaches and to try again if all else fails.
A recent conversation about the hardship of working in cold winter weather with a bricklayer led to an obvious but often overlooked philosophy; namely that “it’s all in the mind”.
That simple statement caused a distant memory to come flooding back; namely that to power of the mind can be used to overcome many obstacles and that self-belief is often a prerequisite in starting a new business.
Many would-be entrepreneurs like the idea of setting up a business, controlling their destiny, coming to the office at 10.30 and enjoying the trappings associated with wealth and status.
The question is whether they are willing to make the necessary sacrifices and endure the mental and physical hardships for the months or years in the interim period of transforming their ideas in to a viable business.
The levels of work required can not be understated and experience suggests that very few are actually willing and able (due to family or other commitments) to undertake the arduous journey towards being successful in self-employment.
Typically the entrepreneur will at some stage of starting the business reach a stage of fatigue, self doubt and stress and wonder whether their hard work to entered date will eventually lead to something.
It is in this situation the can do attitude is essential to keep the individual going through this difficult patch in their start-up. The feelings might emanate from the fact that the business idea is not viable in which case they should be noted.
On the basis that thorough planning and evaluation of the proposal had taken place at the inception of the journey, the introduction of self belief and a strong will and mind to continue forward at this critical stage will help the entrepreneur prevail.
Even after the business has been launched having can do attitude can still be of enormous benefit. There are multiple challenges which a growing and established business might face and similar to the position at the start-up phase, a determined and strong will can be the difference between winning and coming off second best.
