A few weeks ago, Nick Scheidies asked me if I wanted to go on a walk. I had a long day, I was tired, and I wanted to go home. But a walk seemed like the right thing to do.
For those of you who don’t know Nick Scheidies, we were co-authors of this book.
So we started our walk with no aim, mission, or purpose other than to talk. About an hour and three miles later, that walk got serious, real serious. Nick helped me realize how arrogant and selfish I had been with my entrepreneurial aspirations.
Let me explain.
I wanted Fame
I’ve always want to see my name in magazines.
In college, I set my eyes on Inc’s 30 Under 30 and Businessweek’s America’s Best Young Entrepreneurs. I’ve even sent emails to Entrepreneur and Forbes recommending that they put me in their magazines.
During our walk, Nick helped me realize how thick-headed that is.
Yeah, I think it’s important to set lofty goals, but you also need to recognize why you want what you want. I wanted the ego boost that comes with seeing your name in print. Again, thick-headed.
Now I want Freedom
Another good friend of mine once told me that freedom is the number one reason to become an entrepreneur.
Nick’s entrepreneurial goal has always been to make ends meet. And he’s done that well.
His reasons? He wants to focus on making music. He wants to enjoy Colorado on a sunny afternoon. He wants to have the freedom to build relationships without being tied down to a nine-to-five.
Pursuing 30 Under 30 doesn’t leave time to freedom. As a 23-year-old, I’ve finally realized how important it is to pursue free time.
What does this Mean for Me?
For work, my first priority is the web development business. If I can keep a steady flow of a few clients a month, I’ll have more than enough to make ends meet. And I’ll have plenty of free time.
This also means that I’ll be spending less time on 14 Clicks and JuniorBiz. I’m going to try to post on 14 Clicks once a week and JuniorBiz once a month.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still way more passionate about helping young entrepreneurs than building websites, but it takes several unbillable hours per week to update these sites on a consistent basis.
Maybe once I have a family, I’ll go after that big company. But for now, I’m focusing on making ends meet.
What does this Mean for You?
If you want something that requires you to dedicate your life to it, make sure you want it for the right reasons. Fame is fleeting but memories with good friends last forever.
So, why do you want to be an entrepreneur? Answer in the comments below.
Post image by: Rusty Russ
Nicholas Tart as an Entrepreneurial Kid 
13
51 Interesting Networking Questions for Entrepreneurs 
Every Blog Post Earns an Extra 1,320 Visits Per Year 
Best 101 Entrepreneurship Quotes Ever 
21 Famous Logos with Mind-Blowing Hidden Messages 
61 Steps to Becoming a Successful Young Entrepreneur 
7 Mighty Leadership Characteristics for Entrepreneurs 
3 Keys to Success for Young Entrepreneurs 
How to Deal with Angry Customers 
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
I think It would be freedom.
As far as self-interest, I think freedom has to be the most popular answer. But there are so many other reasons to become an entrepreneur.
my opinion is, becoming entrepreneur is like a prist…the job is pure getting profit through patience,honest, respect, and learning
what else? LOL
I wouldn’t imply that priests are in it for the profit. If so, there are a lot more ways to make a lot more money. But you’re right that priests and entrepreneurs need to have a lot of the same qualities.
How do you plan to balance steady client work with having plenty of free time?
Ah… The golden question! I struggle with this, Tommy, and I think I always will. But right now I have a planner and I write down everything I need to get done that day and I set mini-deadlines for each task. This helps keep me on schedule. Once I cross off everything, I’m done for the day. But, more often than not, I don’t get through the entire list.
I’m an Entrepreneur because I want the best in life, and I want to provide the best of the best for my family later on down the road. I think we in general are worth more than 8,9,10 even 12 bucks an hour. Its the Entrepreneurs that take action and make a difference. Im not saying I need money to be happy, Im just saying I see the money, the houses, the boats, the fancy clothes etc and I know thats exactly what I want. Just a matter of making it happen!
Hey Austin. That reminds me of the quote, “Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.”
That’s why it’s especially important to get started while you’re young. Thanks for looking at the world a little bit differently.
Nick,
I loved this post! To answer your question, I am an entrepreneur because working for other companies is completely unfulfilling. It is hard to be proud of stuff that other people told you to do. At least when you are an entrepreneur, you can say “I did that.” Even if it’s a failure, it’s your failure (and a true entrepreneur wouldn’t stop because of a failure).
“Ahh… Good answer, Katie.” (I actually uttered under my breath when I finished reading your comment.)
I’m starting to create some good software and am interested in freelancing. My main reasons are to be creative and have fun and hopefully make make a few bucks (euros actually since I’m from Estonia) as well.
Also I like to draw, so my main reasons would be: freedom and creativity – expressing myself.
BTW: I like your site, first time I’ve been here, good luck!
Glad you decided to spend a small portion of your day on my site, Roland.
Think of the one thing you enjoy doing more than anything else and there’s probably a way to make a living doing that as an entrepreneur. Pretty cool, huh?!
i’m vietnamese student, i just want to get the clear answer for the question that why an enterpreneur wants to do business. Can you guys help me cos i’m going to take a graduation examination on this month, thx heaps.
Hey Ngocthuan! Why an entrepreneur wants to do business, huh? I like it because it’s the world’s greatest game. This article will answer your question as well: http://14click.me/qsuDpu
As we grow a bit older, we realize what really matters the most. Fame a good but if we set our hearts to it, that’s where the danger lies.
What do you mean by danger, Jonha?
Really I’m impress with this website but I want to knw if its right to say I want to be an entrepreneur because I independence and self determination as well as having the opportunity to create value and wealth?
Hey Amina! Those sound like great reasons to want to be an entrepreneur. I like how you stated “value and wealth” in that order because that’s the order it should be.
This is the best site I ve ever visited. It motivate my spirit to tht which I dream to be an entrepreneur. What can I wish myself again after going though ur article. U ve save a soul brother much life, grace, wisdom to u. Pls. I Need to no more about entrepreneurs.
Thanks for the compliment, Chris! Make sure you’re subscribed here: http://14clicks.com/start/
Thank you for your motivational advice keep doing what you know how to do best.The sky is just your stepping stool.i have started my journey towards becoming an entrepreneur and i pray and i no i ll succeed with God.Thanks once more.
You’re welcome, Aigbe Blessing! Do you go by Blessing? Let me know if I can help as well
.
I think that you’re right that you can have ego-driven goals,… What do you think about Branson’s new book: Screw business as usual? Thanks for the blogs
I’ve only read an excerpt, but it was spot-on as far as the younger generation thinking of business differently. I think all forms of advertising that aren’t authentic (meaning no more actors, no more false promises, if we don’t feel like we know the CEO, we won’t buy, etc.) will fall to the wayside. I’m not sure if he was the right person to write that book, though. It’s hard for him to relate to us. Nonetheless, I’m sure it’s good.
Hi Nick, i want to become an entrepreneur….during my course of study “what an entrepreneur is”…i found out some answers that i believe will satisfy me for the very known question why I want to become an entrepreneur?
Well, the answer which I found is the lifelong learning which I always crave for, freedom where I can give time to my family, making social impact by utilizing the opportunities and in the end I want to live an inspiring life….plz quote on this answer on my approach towards become an entrepreneur!!
{ 5 trackbacks }