Do YOU think different?

[ejansse2]

I’ve recently decided that although I’m absolutely not an expert at being entrepreneurial, I’ve trained my mind to think that at times I am. I constantly find myself daydreaming about new ways to advertise, or new services to offer and I wonder: Does everyone think this way?

Here’s the thing. While at school I tend to be surrounded with overly-ambitious people. Maybe “ambitious” isn’t the right word, but more like overly-anxious. These people are incredibly smart, and work their butts off at school, but do they think like me? They’re killing classes that I’m riding just above the bell curve on, they’re locking themselves in study rooms until late at night day after day, but do they think differently?

Don’t get me wrong I think school is so important, there is no way I’d be the person I am today if I didn’t attend the school that I do. And I do work hard, I always have, but what happened to balance? If I spent the time I spend thinking about new ideas and how to reasonably implement them on thinking about school work I think I’d be near the top of my class, in fact I know I would, but I just don’t think that way.

Back to my question: Does everyone think the way I do? I’m starting to learn no. I’m not claiming to be an expert on the topic of success but at this point in my life I’d like to consider myself reasonably successful. I’ve got a great family, I go to a great school, I surround myself with great people and I’d like to think that I’m becoming something great. I guess this is what I’m really trying to say: Successful people think differently. It’s easy to get caught up in your everyday life just going through the motions, and thinking that you’re just another person in the sea of billions but it’s not true. Successful people know that there’s something about them that’s different, they just don’t know what it is. Successful people have a fear of being mediocre, but here’s my true belief: Keep thinking differently, keep being different and being the best person you can be and success will find you.

Thoughts?

[JohnnyBudZ]

hahahahaha omggggggggg hahahahahahahhaah, this is MEEEEEEEE. Entrepreneurship really has taken a toll on my school work. Then one day I thought about it, Im inheriting great money at 25. I should really pay my parents back in the only way i possible can, and thats by getting good grades. I believe at this at (17) its really just suppose to shape your mind. Enless you come up with something totally outrageous and you beomce the new apple creating productsl ike the ipod which go from $0-300,000,000 in a span of a day, your not really doing much. I would just be a sponge absorb asmuch as you can, take as many internships as possible, SAVE YOUR MONMEY. which is incredible important.. and your day will come..


if that didnt help you what-so-ever, uh... sorry.

[Enke]

Hey ejans, you think like an entrepreneur. That's a good thing. The reason we think different is because we are always exploring new opportunities and were never afraid to take some calculated risks.

Likewise I think most entrepreneurs are not afraid to fail or admit that an idea or project didn't work. Most normal thinkers in the world especially at your age think in the sense of go to school, get a degree, and then get a decent paying 9-5 job. They simply don't have that millionaire mindset.

There is nothing wrong with this way of thinking. However as entrepreneurs most of us think exactly like you.

[Doodyps]

I was the same way. I just graduate from a very good university with a 3.2. No problem with staying average haha. I had better things to do than study all the time. I cant provide a link, but I read on msn one time a year ago or so that drinkers make on average 10% more than non drinkers, just because of their social abilities. Same goes for networking. The nerdy kids that study arent the only millionaires out there. I'm working a 9-5 job right now and its MISERABLE. I'm working one of my ideas on the side and making some real progress. I can at least finance it myself for a while with the money I make. I cant wait to get out of this office and have my own business and employees. I will within 4 years, no doubt about it.

When you ask if youre different, I would say you are and you aren't. I'm sure lots of people day dream about having tons of money, but only we dream about the means to make it. Then what really separates us is taking the jump from dreaming to DOING. Lots of people also have great ideas, but just never bother to act on them. I cant wait to hold something I created in my hand and see people wanting it.

[michaelma]

Forget thinking, actions speak the loudest in my mind. The successful person has a drive that makes it so that even if they're not as smart they can accomplish something, it certainly helps to have a passion towards whatever you do too.

[chanson]

remember the real meaning of colege and university.. If you pass you pass and get your degree reagrdless of your mark you get the same degree as everyone else who passed(given grad with honors can be helpful on a resume good for you who have got it). what college is really for is networking. your rubbing shoulders witht he future of the world so to speak. meet people and maintain those contacts and build yoru network.. thats the real power of college.

[Nigami Enterprise]

You no your an entrepreneur when given a problem rather then just like other's that except the problem, you think of the solution and actually action that solution wether it is in business or everday life.

[ewaste]

all wise words. from an older slacker point of view I guess, I didn't realize until recently that you have to set goals and like you said put plans into action to accomplish them. I went to school for mass comm. but didn't finish...but in my high school memory book, the career path I set for the 1 year/ 5yr/10yr goals...I somehow ended up accomplishing them, and now have to set new ones. if you stay focused on your dreams, no matter what hardship you may face YOU CAN SUCCEED. If you dream of being your own boss with your own company, you can do it no matter how crazy your idea, or how stupid people tell you it is, IF YOU believe you can do it then you can. My new goals are to pay off my home in 2 years, and to start my business while giving to my community, and take care of my family. My business is off to a decent start, (I now have some buyers and a funding prospect, and contracts) its a good idea that my contracts can easily grasp and also believe in and it helps bring money back into their community so they are SO FAR all on board. 2 county contracts down and only 93 to go! good luck to all and remember...stay focused!!!

[andrewrichardgale]

we all think the same, we dream, belive in our dreams, make our dreams reality.

other people dream when they go to sleep, we are living our dreams.

[Crysco]

When you ask if youre different, I would say you are and you aren't. I'm sure lots of people day dream about having tons of money, but only we dream about the means to make it. Then what really separates us is taking the jump from dreaming to DOING. Lots of people also have great ideas, but just never bother to act on them. I cant wait to hold something I created in my hand and see people wanting it.

Well put. It seems like most people I talk to have at least one good idea that could get them out of the daily grind and into independence. However they seem to be afraid to fail. How do you know unless you try?

I recently developed a market with a product that someone else designed. The product wasn't designed for this particular use but could easily be adapted. I have talked with people that want to use the system already, and all I need to do is make an added feature. Sometimes you act without thinking. I had a product and client before I even built anything. Granted you don't want to get ahead of yourself, and you want to be honest with your customers about what you're doing, but anything can be done.

The point is we see this type of stuff everyday. Actions definitely speak louder than words, and that's what separates entrepreneurs in my opinion. Some people stay in the thinking mode longer than others, and some people never try. Successful people don't use the term fail, they learn something new and adjust. Sometimes this means changing direction completely.

Just my 2 cents

[ejansse2]

Well put. It seems like most people I talk to have at least one good idea that could get them out of the daily grind and into independence. However they seem to be afraid to fail. How do you know unless you try?

Successful people don't use the term fail, they learn something new and adjust. Sometimes this means changing direction completely.

Just my 2 cents

I love this attitude Crysco. But to add another element: How long can you live on the passion you have for your idea? How long can you work on just the passion before you're drowning in admin, getting torn apart by skeptics, stressing over debt, and trying to maintain balance in your life?

I'm not at the breaking point, not even close, but it is an interesting discussion point. There are certain days with my business where I go through the highest highs. I'm confident that the idea is dynamite, that partnerships are lining up perfectly, that the feedback we're getting is incredible, and that we're sitting on the next great thing. And there are other times when I feel sunk. I'm not sure about certain decisions I've made, I second guess my ability to make my business all that it could be. But isn't that natural?

Balance the good with the bad, enjoy the highs and fight through the lows. I plan to work as hard as I can at what I'm doing, give it all I have so that at the end of the day I can say that I did all that I possibly could to make it a success. Who knows what's going to happen over the next few years but I do know its going to be one heck of a ride.

[BC SEO Guy]

You are on the right track.

I'm sure you have heard this before - but it's better to work smart then work hard.

People with lack of creativity, lack of entrepenueral mindset often work very hard because that is all they know how to do.

One day these people around you will WORK FOR YOU.