It is no secret that being an entrepreneur can be glamorous, enriching, exhausting, and terrifying all at once. Striving to be an entrepreneur is a goal which is all too clear and yet incredibly hazy at the same time. On the one hand, you know what an entrepreneur is “supposed” to look like—the Mark Zuckerbergs and Elon Musks and Steve Jobs of the world. On the other hand, the world of entrepreneurship isn’t always what it appears—look no further than Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos scam.
As with any profession, it’s worth asking what motivates you to achieve that goal. After all, being an entrepreneur is something that takes a lot of commitment on a daily basis. You are the driving engine and imagination behind your business ideas, and you are tasked with being a self-starter and motivator—so what motivates you?
The Money
Let’s be real—one of the big draws for striving to become an entrepreneur is the money. We’re supposed to say and think it’s about other things, and for you to succeed, it has to be about more than money. Even so, few things motivate people to get up early and work late like the prospect of a big payday down the line.
The Fame
There’s definitely a certain allure that comes with being a household name. Who wouldn’t want to be celebrated for their genius? No one wants to admit to being a glory hound, but there’s definitely no shame in seeking entrepreneurial fame.
The Power
Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark are easily two of the most popular film heroes of this era. Both are billionaires who can become their superhero alter egos Batman and Iron Man in part because of the power and resources made available to them by being entrepreneurs. Batmobiles and Arc Reactors don’t pay for themselves, after all. Superheroes are power fantasies, and in a way, so are entrepreneurs.
The Passion
Finally, there’s passion. All of these other motivating factors are great, but without the passion for your position, product, company, and idea, you won’t get very far as an entrepreneur. Even if you don’t have all the fame, money, or power, you can still be a great entrepreneur if you have passion.