Page 99 - Benjamin Franklin\'s The Way to Wealth: A 52 brilliant ideas interpretation - PDFDrive.com
P. 99
45 GO FOR IT
Franklin was keenly aware of the dangers of overconfidence or brashness, but don’t
confuse that with lack of commitment. Pussyfooting around was no more desirable in
Franklin’s day than it is now or, as he put it, ‘handle your tools without mittens;
remember that the cat in gloves catches no mice.’
DEFINING IDEA…
Success or failure in business is caused more by mental attitude than
by mental capacities.
~ SIR WALTER SCOTT
Even if the phrasing sounds somewhat old-fashioned, the thinking is bang
up to date. Entrepreneurship isn’t a business model but an attitude, and one
that thrives on getting down and dirty with the nuts and bolts of the
business which you have made your own. You will need deep reserves of
commitment, self-confidence (not to be confused with arrogance, do note),
persistence and the initiative to be a true self-starter.
Before taking the plunge into your own business venture try the Attitude
Check List: • You believe that failure is not an option.
• The goals of this enterprise are 100% yours.
• You have crystal-clear objectives.
• You are ready to step up to the plate and ask that others around you do the same.
• You recognise that there are risks but are excited by the challenge.
• Quitting is not an option.
• You know exactly what you need to do to take this business to the next level.
• You know exactly what it will take to deliver on your promises.
• You inspire those you work with.
• You’re not afraid to make commitments around the business.
Can you tick off ten out of ten on that list? If not, it doesn’t mean that you
shouldn’t be taking the plunge but it does mean there’s an area that you are
not completely convinced about. If that’s the case then you need to address
it now. Commitment to succeeding is a crucial part of the formula and, odd
though it sounds, people are often as afraid of success as they are of
