From Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur: The Journey to Success

The path from a "wantrepreneur" – someone who dreams of entrepreneurship but doesn’t take action – to a successful entrepreneur is not as complicated as it might seem. In fact, becoming successful at your job, career, or business isn’t rocket science. Yet, many aspiring entrepreneurs get in their own way by wasting time on unproductive activities and overthinking unnecessary details.

One of the biggest hurdles that wantrepreneurs face is drowning in endless content on personal productivity, performance improvement, and time management. Ironically, much of this content only creates more distractions. If you're not constantly reading about how to manage your time, you’ll have more time to actually work on your business.

The key to success in any field is finding what you’re good at and love doing, mastering that skill, and then relentlessly working on it. This focus and dedication are what separates true entrepreneurs from those who never quite take off.

Here are a few things that successful entrepreneurs do differently from wantrepreneurs:

1. They Get the Job Done, No Matter What

Successful entrepreneurs are doers. They don’t just talk about starting a business – they actually get to work. Their job, their business, or their career is one of the most important aspects of their life, and they don’t let anything stand in the way. Unlike wantrepreneurs who chase the elusive work-life balance, real entrepreneurs are flexible, adaptable, and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.

2. They Create Their Own Opportunities

It might sound like a cliché, but it’s true: entrepreneurs don’t wait for opportunities to fall into their lap – they create them. Having dreams of success is great, but dreams alone won’t make you successful. You have to take action. Entrepreneurs are proactive, not reactive. They are always on the lookout for ways to grow, innovate, and build their business.

3. They Stay Grounded in Reality

Successful entrepreneurs understand that business success doesn’t come from optimism alone. They are realistic about their strengths and weaknesses, and they recognize the obstacles that may hold them back. By being grounded in reality, they are able to make informed decisions that push their business forward. Wantrepreneurs, on the other hand, may get caught up in wishful thinking, which can lead to failure.

4. They Follow Their Own Path

Entrepreneurs don’t worry about what others are doing or saying. They focus on their own journey and trust their instincts. While it’s important to learn from others, successful entrepreneurs know that no one else can dictate their path to success. Wantrepreneurs, on the other hand, often get bogged down by overthinking and second-guessing their decisions based on outside opinions.

5. They Surround Themselves with Smart, Accomplished People

Rather than relying on random online content or advice from unproven sources, successful entrepreneurs seek guidance from experienced mentors and trusted professionals. They avoid getting caught up in the latest trends and fads and instead focus on actionable insights from people they respect.

6. They Are Disciplined and Focused

Entrepreneurs are laser-focused on their goals and prioritize their time accordingly. They understand that success requires discipline, and they don’t let distractions get in the way. Wantrepreneurs often lack this focus, wasting time on trivial matters instead of focusing on what really matters.

7. They Take Responsibility and Avoid Excuses

Successful entrepreneurs don’t blame others or make excuses when things don’t go their way. They take full responsibility for their actions and outcomes. Wantrepreneurs often fall into the trap of playing the victim, which only holds them back from taking control of their success.