Starting a Business: Passion, Perseverance, and the Hard Truth
Posted by Peter Baskerville in Jul, 2024
Starting a business is often painted as a glamorous journey, filled with success and riches at the end of the road. However, the reality is far from the glossy picture painted by those selling get-rich-quick schemes. As Steve Jobs famously articulated, and from my own experiences, starting a business is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. But if you love it, the hard work doesn’t feel like hard work at all.
In an interview, Steve Jobs shared his thoughts on what it’s like to start a business. He emphasized that those who succeed are the ones who love what they do because they can persevere when times get tough. On the other hand, those who don’t love what they do are more likely to quit because, let’s face it, no sane person would willingly endure such hardships without a deep passion for their work.
“Success in business comes from a combination of hard work, perseverance, and passion; there’s no substitute for loving what you do.” Peter Baskerville
The Reality Check
Jobs’ insight rings true in my own experience. If you’re planning to start a business, prepare yourself for the hard road ahead. It’s not easy, but it’s not supposed to be. When you’re working on something you love, the long hours and challenges don’t feel like a burden. Instead, they become part of the exciting journey.
Let’s break down what Jobs said:
- It’s Hard Work: There’s no sugar-coating it. Starting a business is challenging. You’re creating something from nothing, which requires immense effort and creativity. It’s not just about having a brilliant idea; it’s about making it financially sustainable. You need to price your product or service higher than your costs, and convince customers why they should pay you instead of doing it themselves.
- Perseverance: You must be ready to stick with it for the long haul. This isn’t a three-month project; it’s a long-term commitment. Entrepreneurs succeed because they are willing to hold onto their vision and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. This perseverance stems from a deep-seated desire to create something significant.
- Passion: Passion is non-negotiable. If you don’t love what you’re doing, you won’t have the energy or motivation to see it through. Passion keeps you going when everything else suggests you should give up. It’s the fuel that drives perseverance.
- Irrational to Others: Often, starting a business will seem irrational to others. You might hear things like, “Why give up a stable job for this?” But to you, pursuing your business idea will make perfect sense. It’s a calling, something you feel compelled to do despite the doubts of others.
- Adaptability: It’s crucial to understand that not all ideas will work. You might have to pivot or completely abandon some concepts. However, don’t give up on your overarching goal to make a difference or be successful. Adaptability is key in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.
The Passion and Fun Factor
One aspect that Jobs highlighted, which resonates deeply with me, is the need for fun. If you’re not having fun, you’re likely going to burn out. My business partner and I often laugh together, even when faced with challenges. If you don’t laugh, you might end up crying. Maintaining a sense of humor and enjoying the process is crucial for long-term success.
Having fun ties back to passion. If you’re passionate about what you’re doing, you’ll find joy in the process, no matter how difficult it gets. This joy is what keeps you going, even when the road gets tough.
Success Through Hard Work and Passion
Ultimately, success in business comes from a combination of hard work, perseverance, and passion. It’s not an easy sell, especially when there are so many voices promising easy wealth through simple solutions. But take it from Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, and countless other successful entrepreneurs: there’s no substitute for hard work and loving what you do.
Branson echoes similar sentiments, emphasizing that starting a business requires a huge amount of hard work. But if you enjoy it, it doesn’t feel like hard work. The hours and energy you pour into your business don’t feel like a sacrifice because you’re driven by a passion that makes it all worthwhile.
“Success in business comes from a combination of hard work, perseverance, and passion; there’s no substitute for loving what you do.” Peter Baskerville
Conclusion
Starting a business is a journey filled with challenges, long hours, and constant problem-solving. But if you’re passionate about your venture, the hard work becomes a labour of love. You’ll find joy in the process, and that joy will sustain you through the toughest times.
So, if you’re thinking about starting a business, ask yourself: Do I love this enough to persevere through the hard times? If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right path. Embrace the journey, find joy in the challenges, and remember that passion and perseverance are the keys to turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
- About the Author
- More info
Peter Baskerville is an entrepreneur with a passion for developing innovative solutions for the many problems facing the vocational training industry in the 21st century. As founder and manager of many businesses incorporating over 30 outlets, Peter has invested decades in discovering and applying best practice work skilling in a variety of contexts. He currently shares these insights on Quora with some articles being published by Forbes, Huffington Post, INC and Slate. Peter was awarded the Quora Top Writer award for 6 years starting in 2012. For many years Peter has been a facilitator of the Start Your Own Business course. Peter carries the endorsement of his peers in areas of E-Learning, Start-ups, Coaching and Higher Education.
Post Tagged with 