17 truths about Entrepreneurship

When I decided to quit my corporate career to pursue entrepreneurship, I thought my 15+ years of experience would make the startup journey easier.

Little did I know that entrepreneurship was a whole new ball game!

It required a huge shift in mindset. I realized I had never known failure before. I had to learn so much and unlearn even more.

From the perspective of a corporate professional-turned-entrepreneur, here are 17 truths about entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship is…

1. Being willing to risk it all on a vision that is visible only to you
2. Not being afraid to sound crazy or look like a fool until your concept is proven
3. Bracing for rejection and preparing to hear the word ‘No’ repeatedly
4. Going against the tide, against logic
5. A deep sense of self-belief and an unshakeable confidence
6. Not being afraid to fail and if you do, not letting failure discourage you
7. Being ready to get discounted over and over again
8. Not having all the answers, but possessing the courage to figure it out as you go
9. Not being afraid to start from scratch multiple times
10. Being ready to prove yourself again and again and again
11. Selling your vision to others
12. Being ready to learn every day by getting your hands dirty
13. Handling emotions that swing like a pendulum between despair and ecstasy
14. Giving it your best and paving your own road, even in the face of obstacles
15. Making bold decisions every single day
16. Not entertaining the thought of giving up, no matter how often it knocks on your mind’s door
17. Taking a moment to look back at how far you’ve come, while also recognizing the fact that you have miles and miles to go yet.

One thing is for sure, though. Entrepreneurship is a ride like no other.

As I look back at the past few years, I realize I’ve learned and grown so much more than I could’ve imagined.