Every “overnight success” you can think of has likely gone through years of pain, suffering, delayed gratification, and failures on the road to victory. They are committed. They refuse to give up. People we now see as an “overnight success” probably had friends, family, and acquaintances who saw them struggle and often didn’t stand by them. Investing years of hard work and self-discipline paid off, and now everyone says they’re an “overnight success.”
Becoming an entrepreneur is often a much more difficult task than people think. We’ve all heard, “it must be nice” when someone sees a beautiful mansion or an extraordinary car.
Are You Cut Out For This?
Don’t forget to contemplate the risks, the costs, and the difficulty of becoming an entrepreneur. There’s a warning in the Bible about this:
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.'” – Luke 14:28-30
The fact that you’re reading this book is a good sign that you’re willing to do what it takes to become successful. You’re eager to invest in yourself. You practice delayed gratification. You work harder than anyone around you, often for less than you deserve. Others accept what they’re offered. You’re passionate about your cause, and your vision drives you.
Many are easily inspired but forget to consider the cost of success. Years of financial losses, stress, bouts of poverty, 6-7 day work weeks, and sleepless nights may lie ahead. Those with “real jobs” are home relaxing on the weekends. Are you willing to do what it takes to become successful?
People often don’t want to risk switching products or services until they know the provider has a proven track record. Many of your friends, relatives, and neighbors may not support you or your business until it’s already successful. You can’t blame them. None of us likes change! Don’t let it hurt your feelings when those close to you aren’t comfortable supporting you yet. Use that as motivation to succeed!
Damaged Relationships
You may have a spouse or significant other who isn’t willing to go through the struggles required to build your empire. They may get frustrated when you don’t have time to do weekly date nights or family outings that people with typical 9 to 5 jobs enjoy. You might lose friends because you don’t have time to go out every Friday night. Are you okay with that?
For the first few years, you may likely work for lower wages than many of your employees. You probably won’t enjoy the vacations and perks that you would have if you worked at a regular job. Are you willing to sacrifice today’s “easy life” to build an empire that can provide an incredible lifestyle?
I know multiple entrepreneurs who ended up living in their vehicles or unable to pay rent while they invested everything in building their dream. Many lost virtually everything they had while becoming an “overnight success.” Stop financing cars you can’t afford and partying Friday nights away at the bar if you want to create a lifestyle that others can only imagine.
You’ve Got What It Takes
You’re above average if you count the costs and seek your dreams despite the hardships. Pursue your goals relentlessly. Don’t lose focus. One day people will be jealous of how you became an “overnight success.”