What Happens When the Young Entrepreneur Grows Up?
When do you suppose we’ll graduate from this faze that we’re dubbing “young entrepreneurism?” When we turn 30? When we make some serious cash? How about when we gain recognition or come to grips with our mistakes?
I admit that I may be closer to 30 than many of you. I’m the oldest in my family and have been entrepreneuring since I was eight. I make money. I’ve felt responsible, important and independent since my feisty teenage years. But, my mistakes? Well, I don’t regret them. And, I can’t imagine a day when I won’t feel young.
For me, being a young entrepreneur is a mind set. Many close friends have pointed out my “great mistakes” or remarked that I’ve made some “pretty bad decisions.” Perhaps they wish that they didn’t have to view my struggles. While they speak with concern for my well-being and happiness, I usually disagree that my “mistakes” were actually mistakes.
I’ve used all of my available resources to make all of my important life decisions. I’ve suffered consequences from many of them. In hindsight, things could’ve gone better. In hindsight I can see definite room for improvement. But, we are not afforded hindsight when faced with making a decision. We can, however, move forward and learn not to repeat the same mistakes.
I don’t want to grow up and begin doubting myself. If being grown entrepreneurs means constantly second guessing ourselves and dwelling on the negative decisions we made in the past – I want nothing of it.
When I grow up I want to be a young entrepreneur. I want to keep the passionate spirit that got me started on this journey. I want to remember that mistakes only exist to cloud our judgment with negativity – but experiences help us grow as people.
Honor your experiences, learn from your decisions and stay young.
4 Comments
Rohail
June 27th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Love this article. Great job, Gina.
Gina
June 27th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Thank You!!!
I’ve just learned so much from the “bad things” that have “happened” to me, that I am actaully grateful for them.
lawrence
June 27th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
everybody wishes to be called “young at heart” when they’re 30, 40, 50, 60+…what does that even mean anyways?
i say just be who you are, in your age bracket - and do things your own style…whatever’s working for you.
i agree with the friends/relatives comment about ‘pointing’ out your “mistakes” - it’s better to do/experience something than to go on in life wandering what should’ve been
David Askaripour
June 27th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Well said! Love the post, Gina. Indeed, it’s all about your state of mind. That’s what entrepreneurship is. It’s all about staying hungry. Staying motivated. And staying determined. You have to have that “it.” And you have to keep it! Well said.
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