Age is just a number and it is often said that many people die at age 25 but are only buried at age 75. This is because they lose their sense of adventure and play, which can make life dull and boring. You may not still think of yourself as young, but you’re on the right track if you are young at heart. Being young at heart means that you are still curious and eager to learn about things, and you are passionate about life, which you view as one great adventure.
Being an entrepreneur is truly an adventure in life. There are lots of unknowns, yet there are also lots of possibilities. There are also many risks that require initiative to overcome. The challenges that come with running your own business that you are passionate about can be overcome with the type of zest for life that children naturally possess. If you feel you have lost it, it’s up to you to work your way back to your roots and rediscover it by starting to take part in the things you enjoy. That way you will discover your passions, which will naturally trigger the feeling of beginning a wonderful journey, where you can learn along the way.
Some people also wonder when the best time is to start a business. Some say the sooner the better, but I recommend that you start later, after you have already built up your network and are comfortable with your experience and ability to produce wealth. However, there is no correct answer. This goes back to tapping into your natural instincts and making a decision that is best for you. If you feel unsure, you could test the waters by freelancing or starting a part-time business for extra money. Whichever way you start, remember to take your business seriously. Although you want to be young at heart, you need to still apply the wisdom that comes with adulthood – that is staying disciplined and focusing on your chosen path.
I still treasure my first few years working in a Big Four CPA company after my university graduation, where I was provided with the formal professional training and the experience of working in a big corporate environment. Having formal employment can help you grow traits like independence, professionalism, leadership, and charisma. Furthermore, a formal track record becomes important when you need to deal with other businessmen and women as you launch your own business. If you’ve got the ability and the drive, climbing the corporate ladder is the way to get started. That is the way I got started. You just need to realize when it is the right time to move on and pursue your dreams. I am still proud when I need to introduce my professional background and mention the places where I have worked before. In a job market that is becoming more and more qualification-centered, it will do you more good than harm to start out that way.
On the other hand, if you are already retired and thinking of owning a start-up, you are never too old to do it. Take a look at Colonel Sanders who started Kentucky Fried Chicken. Sanders was retired when he wanted to begin the restaurant franchise to sell his later-famous chicken recipe. He and his wife even lived in their car at a stage while he was approaching different restaurants. Do you know where he got his first investment? He took it from his Social Security benefits check when he was 62! A few years later the restaurants started approaching him, and Kentucky Fried Chicken (now KFC) became a major franchise and a multi-billion dollar corporation.
