Are Entrepreneurs Born, Made, or Both?

It's no secret that I read a lot. In 2022, I've read 55 books so far and will read another three before the end of the year. Because I read so much, people often ask which books are my favorite or the most impactful.

Of all the books I've read in 2022, Driven , Understanding, and Harnessing the Genetic Gifts Shared by Entrepreneurs, Navy SEALS, Pro Athletes, and Maybe You, by Dr. Doug Brackmann , was the most impactful for me.

Brackmann says that about 10 percent of the population has the genetic encoding, given the proper environmental conditions, to be very driven. He says that this Drive is the difference between dreaming and doing. If you are Driven, you will be very different from most people in your life. That sure does resonate with me.

I've started countless companies and worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, and they are, without a doubt, a strange crowd. We take risks and make decisions that make no sense to most people. We have a resilience that would make most people squirm. We want constant adventure, and we want something new every day. Everything has to be bigger, better, and faster.

The Driven:

• Have a high tolerance for risk
• Can think of multiple concepts at once
• Are especially resilient and hard-charging
• Are always looking toward the horizon

Brackmann writes that this Drive is genetic. You are born with it, or you aren't. I am curious to know how many would agree with that. However, in my experience coaching employees and entrepreneurs, you're likely born with a risk-taking drive.

Companies like 23andMe.com and Ancestry.com have acknowledged that risk-taking is a genetic trait. Those with the risk gene are more likely to be continually distracted, have addictive personalities, and are perfectionists who are never satisfied. With anything, ever.

My poor wife and children. I'm constantly looking for new techniques to improve myself or the world. It's everything I can do to avoid moving to a new house, city, or country twice a year. I moved well over 25 times before I was 23 years old. The risk gene isn't recessive.

I could go on and on about the trouble I've gotten myself into over the years from my risk-taking tendencies. Thankfully, I've had an environment to leverage my Drive into positive (mostly) outcomes.

There are quite a few tips in the book about how to lean into and take advantage of your Drive. For example, Brackmann suggests that the Driven meditate with your eyes open. Wow, that alone has been a game-changer for me. I used not to be able to focus with my eyes closed. Now, I can meditate for thirty to forty minutes with my eyes open, staring at a candle the entire time.

Meditating with your eyes open may seem like a small takeaway from the book, but it has been transformative in my meditation practices.

I could go on and on about this book's positive impact on me. Most importantly, it permits me to be me. A Driven in a safe world.

I'm sure there will be some controversy over whether or not entrepreneurs, Navy SEALS, and professional athletes are born and not made, but let's see where the discussion goes.

If you are looking for more resources to control your monkey and elephant, check out Rob Dube and Gino Wickman 's The 10 Disciplines . There's an entire set of disciplines and tools for the Driven as well as coaching and community.

Doug Brackman also has retreats (I'm trying to find the right time for the shooting meditation), courses, and a community at I am Driven .