There are plenty of so-called “gurus” out there promising a secret formula to help anyone achieve entrepreneurial success. But let’s be honest—entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. It doesn’t care how badly you want it, and there are no handouts or guarantees.
As Gino Wickman writes in Entrepreneurial Leap®:
“Don’t become an entrepreneur because it’s cool. That won’t work. The failure rate is high. Instead, become an entrepreneur because it’s your calling.”
The reality? Only a small percentage of people are truly cut out for entrepreneurship. It’s not just about having a great idea—it’s about having the right traits, mindset, and work ethic to make it happen.
Do You Have What It Takes?
Entrepreneurial success isn’t about luck or even just passion. In Entrepreneurial Leap®, Gino Wickman identifies six essential traits that every true entrepreneur possesses:
Vision – Seeing opportunities where others don’t. Passion – An unwavering drive for your idea. Problem-Solving Ability – Navigating challenges and setbacks. Drive – The relentless work ethic to push forward. Risk-Taking – Being willing to step into the unknown. Responsibility – Taking ownership of your decisions and results.
“If you don’t have these traits, don’t take the entrepreneurial leap,” Wickman advises. “The failure rate is high, and you might be miserable.”
However, if you do have these traits, you’re already wired for success.
What is Entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship is the process of starting, managing, and growing a business. It’s about spotting opportunities, creating value, and taking risks to bring ideas to life. True entrepreneurs don’t just chase the idea of “being an entrepreneur”—they chase their vision and put in the hard work to make it real.
Entrepreneurs drive innovation, create jobs, and fuel economic growth—but it’s not an easy path. It demands resilience, adaptability, and an ability to thrive in uncertainty.
In Entrepreneurial Leap®, Wickman puts it bluntly:
“Being an entrepreneur is hard. Really hard. If you don’t have the ability to roll with the inevitable punches, you’ll get knocked out.”
Key Steps to Take If You Want to Become an Entrepreneur
If you’re serious about becoming an entrepreneur, here’s where to start:
1. Identify Your Passion
Entrepreneurship is a long and difficult journey, so you need to be working on something that truly excites you. Passion fuels perseverance—and without it, the challenges will feel overwhelming.
Ask yourself:
- What do I love doing?
- What problems do I naturally enjoy solving?
- What skills do I have that could create value?
Your business should align with what you naturally gravitate toward.
2. Start Small
You don’t need to go “all in” on day one. In fact, many successful entrepreneurs start small—testing their idea, refining it, and learning what works before scaling up.
A few ways to start small:
Offer a minimum viable product (MVP) to test the market.
Begin as a side hustle while keeping your day job.
Focus on a niche audience before expanding.
Starting small reduces risk and increases your chances of long-term success.
3. Educate Yourself
Entrepreneurs don’t have to know everything—but they do need to be lifelong learners.
Invest time in:
- Reading books on entrepreneurship (like Entrepreneurial Leap®).
- Taking courses on marketing, finance, and leadership.
- Learning from experienced entrepreneurs through mentorship.
“The smartest entrepreneurs never stop learning. They study, ask questions, and surround themselves with people who’ve already been where they want to go.” – Entrepreneurial Leap®
4. Develop a Business Plan
Every great business starts with a clear roadmap. Your business plan doesn’t need to be complicated—but it should cover:
Market research – Who are your competitors? What do customers need?
Your core offer – What problem are you solving, and how?
Sales & marketing strategy – How will you get customers?
Financial projections – What will it take to be profitable?
A solid plan keeps you focused and helps you navigate uncertainty.
Can Anyone Really Become an Entrepreneur?
The simple answer?
Yes, anyone can start a business—but not everyone will succeed.
While the opportunity to be an entrepreneur is open to anyone, it requires more than just motivation. It takes a certain kind of person to handle the pressure, uncertainty, and risks that come with starting a business.
The Reality Check: Do You Have What It Takes?
Can you handle financial uncertainty?
Are you willing to fail, learn, and adapt?
Do you thrive on solving problems every day?
If you’re missing key traits or struggle with resilience, the road to entrepreneurship will be tough. But if you’re wired for it—if you have the 6 Essential Traits—the rewards can be incredible.
In Entrepreneurial Leap®, Wickman explains:
“If you confirm that you truly have these traits, this book will give you a glimpse of what your life will look like on the path to becoming an entrepreneur.”
The Bottom Line
Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, but if you have the right traits, mindset, and drive, it can be one of the most rewarding paths you ever take.
If you’re ready to find out if you’re truly wired for entrepreneurship, take the Entrepreneur-in-the-Making Assessment™ and grab a copy of Gino Wickman’s Entrepreneurial Leap®.
Get the book & take the free assessment: https://e-leap.com/
Further Reading -
- Are You an Entrepreneur? Take the Assessment – Entrepreneurial Leap
- The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Who Actually Succeeds? – Forbes
